Daily Reading: Philippians 2
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2.3-5)
Devotional Thought: Read Philippians 2 at your own risk. It will challenge your assumptions and your spiritual sensibilities.
Aren’t you glad that Jesus, the Son of God, did not look simply to his own interests, but considered your interests above his own? In obedience to the Father’s will, in unbelievable love for mankind, in fulfillment of salvation’s plans, Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. He laid aside a weight of glory and took instead our sins upon his back.
Is this your attitude? You must empty yourself as did our Lord. That happens as you die to yourself, day by day, pride by pride. It happens when you make conscious decisions to put someone else’s needs and feelings above your own. It happens when you say, “I’ll get that for you…” and get your carcass off the couch. It happens when “dad” stays home on Saturday to play with his kids when his buddies are all out on the links. It happens when you let that shopping mom with three preschoolers in tow go ahead of you in line at the checkout – even when you’re running late yourself. It happens when you let that “rude dude” into your lane. You know: the one who is cruising up the open lane while your lane is dutifully standing still waiting to get past the construction? It happens when you put $100 into the offering for hurricane relief – to help someone whom you will never meet – especially when that $100 was going toward the newest Rocketbalz® Tour Driver or some new heels at DSW.
Let your attitude be the same as Christ Jesus!
Prayer: Lord, I must confess that my attitude is not enough like yours. Help me by your grace and in the power of the Holy Spirit to think and speak and act more like you. May I not make excuses, but make a difference. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 132.1-5
1 Remember, O LORD, in David's favor, all the hardships he endured,
2 how he swore to the LORD and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob,
3 "I will not enter my house or get into my bed,
4 I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids,
5 until I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob."
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