Devotion 9.25.26

Philippians 2

Christ's Example of Humility

1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

As a follower of Christ, imitate his behavior of humility so that there is a notable difference in you in your daily walk individually and as his church.

Today's actual reading could go through v 18 which Paul concludes his thoughts in a like manner as the conclusion of the above statement. 

Being a follower of Christ should separate us from the crowd. How? By how we engage each other (out of love and humility), our own families, our own brothers in Christ, and culture as a whole. Humility is difficult in today's culture, especially on social media. 

I want to win (doggone it), and sometimes I'll go scorched earth to do so. If you want to play top the bat with me, let's see how well you play while I'm swinging that bat like I need to hit a homerun.

Paul is saying this to me: David, David... David! Be alert and realize Christ died in ultimate humility to the Father's Will. He did so by going to the cross for your sins. Quit trying to win every battle. In the end, there is only one that matters: Christ and him crucified for your salvation. 

Take on the battle of faith through love and compassion for your brothers in faith and for this world of lost sinners who need to hear the Word of God spoken into their lives.

I'm trying to get there, but I am a work in progress God.

How about you?

Pray with me: Gracious God, I hear you loudly and clearly. Forgive me when what I hear is not reflected in what I do. Give me my daily bread to withstand the temptation of winning and help me to learn to be like your son. In your Son's name, Amen.

Hope Men's Ministry is a ministry in service to Hope Lutheran Church and School. Our purpose is to grow, unite, and share God's Word to all men through meaningful activities. These activities center on fellowship, service, conversation, prayer, study and devotion as we seek to become men of God as He created us to be.