When we assert our personal rights, we have clashes with other people. The solution for this kind of conflict comes by following Jesus’ own example of humble service. He deliberately gave up His own rights so He could serve.
1) Christ’s Example of service
Perhaps no passage so clearly identifies Christ’s willingness to make Himself totally available to God and others than Philippians 2:5-8.
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Underline the kind of attitude that Christians are commanded to have in the above verses. Notice the three different stages of humbling that Jesus experienced so that He could effectively get God’s work done. Jesus, who chose to serve, is our example.
2) God’s Choice of Service
Jesus didn’t come to do what He Himself wanted but to do His Father’s will. We often try to get out of hard situations. We think we deserve better.
For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me (John 6:38).
3) God’s Means of Training His Servants
In order to make significant changes in our lifestyle, we first need to make fundamental attitude changes. Once we desire to serve someone, then we do not mind going out of our way to help him. The apostle in the above verses commands us to have the same approach to life as Jesus did.
4) God’s Testing of His Servants
There is no doubt that some of our greatest temptations will be to give up when the going gets tough. Jesus faced extreme temptation at Gethsemane. Note how much Jesus’ struggled. And yet, He persevered doing right!
Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not my will, but Thine to be done (Luke 22: 42).
Reflection: We were excited over our free tickets to the symphony. We later discovered that a special church service was scheduled for that night. I know my wife would be disappointed if we didn’t go, but I knew what God wanted me to attend. I returned the tickets and trusted God for His special peace. We could serve together praying for others and trusted God to care for our needs.
Application: State the last time you were tested. How did you respond? Make a short prayer stating your willingness to always follow God’s orders.
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Cross †raining:
Making ourselves totally available to serve.