Tag: same love
Imitating Christ’s Attitude
Scripture reading for December 2nd: Philippians 1-4
I can wake up on the wrong side of the bed! Sometimes my attitude stinks! I am occasionally withdrawn, grumpy, and irritable. I can be centered on myself and what I want that day. I am in need of an “attitude adjustment”! The Word of God provides that for us. As we take it into our minds and hearts, it can do surgery on us. (Hebrews 4:12) It is Spirit and life to us from the heart of God. (John 6:63) Jesus Christ, Himself, modeled for us the kind of attitude that would please God. We read about it today in Paul’s letter to the Philippians!
Paul prayed a lot for those in Philippi. There was a church there with saints, overseers, and deacons that he had helped to set in place. He was confident that God would complete the work He had begun in each of them that had believed. He prayed that the love of these believers would abound more and more. (Philippians 1:6-11) He wanted them to be filled with the fruits of righteousness so that the Lord would receive glory!
These saints and leaders were encouraged by Paul to be united in love and purpose. (Philippians 2:2-3) Unity comes from fellowship with the Holy Spirit and a humble spirit towards God and each other. We must learn to bear with one another and try and look out for others rather than focusing on ourselves. The best example of this is Jesus Christ.
Jesus had a perfect attitude. He was God and owner and ruler of the universe, but He humbled Himself and took on human likeness through the incarnation. He willingly laid down all the power and privilege of royalty to be obedient to the Father. He even obeyed the Father by laying down His life on the cross, enduring the death of the lowest criminal. Because of His obedience, God exalted Him to the highest place of all after the resurrection. His Name, Jesus Christ, is the highest name in the universe! Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord! Those who bow their knees now and confess now will enjoy eternity with Him!
We are working out our salvation while God is at work in us. We humbly obey Him and do all we do without grumbling or complaining. We know that God has given us the task of sharing the Word of life in Christ. Our reward is sure! We rejoice always! (Philippians 4:4) We pray about everything and enjoy the peace of Christ! (Philippians 4:6-7) We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us! (Philippians 4:13) We know that our God will supply all of our needs according to His riches in Glory in Christ Jesus! (Philippians 4:19) What an attitude of victory and joy when we imitate Christ!