THE WORD 4 ev 1

Philippians 2:5-8 - Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!

The sign at the end of the driveway read, “Purse Party – Public Welcome.” Had I not been blessed with a daughter I would be ignorant of such terms as LV (Louis Vuitton), Burberry, Coach, Dooney & Bourke, and other fashion designers. The public purse party, however, was for knock-offs, imitations of the expensive designer line of purses.

Usually we think of an imitation as something bad or less than authentic. But imitation can also be a form of flattery, a compliment if you will. We are called to imitate Jesus, to be like-minded, having the same selfless attitude as Him, setting aside things that perhaps place us over others and to become more Christ-like,a servant.

The really wonderful thing about Jesus is that He is no imitator. Jesus is the real thing, true God just like his Father, but He didn’t consider His “equality with God” something He had to hold on to tightly. Rather, He willingly set it aside for a time, making Himself nothing and becoming like us, humbling Himself even to the point of death on a cross for our sake.

God invites us to be like Christ. On our own, we couldn’t even manage a cheap imitation, but through the power of the Holy Spirit we can indeed become imitators of Christ, spreading His message by word and deed to others who do not yet know Him.

THE PRAYER: Father, bless me with Your Holy Spirit that I may become like Your Son, Jesus, humbling myself and for His sake, becoming a servant to all. Amen.