Philippians 2:5-7

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.

Last week my daughter’s class had a little exercise in civics. Girls and boys were nominated to run as president and vice-president in their classroom. My daughter was nominated to be vice-president with one of her classmates. She was so excited to tell us she was running for vice-president with Lucy as president.

I asked her whom she would vote for and she said, “I don’t know!” I told her she could vote for herself and Lucy and she replied, “I can?” After some small talk with her, I asked again, whom she would vote for. She said, “I’m going to pick the person I think can do the best job.”

Her attitude was so admirable, innocent, and worth emulating. She wasn’t thinking about herself or winning or getting anything out of this situation. She wasn’t in that “election” for herself or to win. She reminded me of Jesus in Philippians 2.

Paul uses Jesus’ actions and life as an example for how we are all to interact and deal with one another. How do you view others? As objects to be used for your own advantage? Do you see positions, authority, or other advantages as tools you can use to gain more for yourself? Do you see others as individuals who need to be served or others as individuals who should do things for you?

As you think about your place in life and in this world, think about this. How did Christ view us? What did Christ do with his equality with God? He used it for our advantage when he came to this world to serve us. Christ was and still is all about us.

Dear Christian, it’s time to serve as Christ served us. This world needs the light of Christ through your love and your humble, selfless service to your neighbor more than ever. You’ve been given an incredible gift, salvation through faith in Christ. He served you in the greatest way possible as your Savior. He continues to serve you as he strengthens you through his Word.

What positions, authority, opportunities, or platforms have you been given? How can you use them not for self, but for others? How can you use them in service to reflect Christ in your daily life?