“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13
Dear Ones:
One of the most humbling aspects of the Christian life is the reality, and realization, of the eternal God working in the heart and mind of the believer. In our “modern” perception of things, and of life, we have a tendency to think that we have “rights,” and that as such, God MUST work in us for our well-being. In some respects this is true, not that we have “rights,” but that He in His mercy and grace has chosen to “seek and save that which was lost,” and to form Christ in us. So then, the question becomes, “What is God’s way of working in us, of forming Christ in us, and accomplishing in and through us His perfect will and purpose? As always, we begin and end with Christ, as our example, “way,” and means…our “life.” Specifically, we need to see that there is a certain attitude of mind which He is determined to form in us, so that He can freely and most effectively work in us. It is that of a servant.
In Paul’s letter to the believers in Philippi, he wrote: “Let this MIND be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” (2:5) What does he mean? He is addressing a certain mind-set, attitude, perspective towards God, and before men. What is that attitude? It is that of a servant. This “servitude” is not one that is imposed, but which is embraced, because of the Love for the Master. It is one which God works in us, but one which also, we receive and adopt as our own. Why? The great Master of Redemption, and wondrous Creator, in His wisdom, gives to man a means by which God can, and will, work in and through him. But it is an attitude that the world disdains, and this for basically one simple reason; it is characterized by true humility. What does this mean?
Paul goes on to explain that Christ, as our example, “…made of Himself of no reputation.” He did not seek the praise or approval of men. He was committed to pleasing His Father, for He did all things to please Him. As a result, He let the Father deal with the issue of “reputation.” He also, “…took upon him the form of a servant.” Christ deliberately chose to be the servant of His Father, under His authority, to be and to do whatever the Father willed. As such, it mattered not if the task were great or small, for the value of it resided in His devotion and love for the Father. Lastly, “…He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (v.8) Christ’s devotion to the Father, His mind-set as a servant, was not a flimsy, passing “thought.” It was an integral part of His being. It was in essence, flesh and blood, for there was no separation in mind and heart, between Him and the Father. As He was the only begotten Son of God, so He was the Servant of God.
Dear Father, give us grace to see clearly, and to understand from Your perspective, what it is to be not only a son, or child of God, but a servant of Christ. Enable us to embrace the attitude of a servant, and to have this mind of Christ indelibly written upon our hearts, seeking not the reputation of men, but the pleasure of the Father. Give us to ever see the immeasurable privilege it is to BE Your servant, through whom You desire and will to work, and accomplish Your purposes on this earth, for Thy glory, and the blessing of men. We praise and thank Thee for this immeasurable privilege. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad