“Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God
as something to be exploited.
Instead he emptied himself
by assuming the form of a servant,
taking on the likeness of humanity.
And when he had come as a man,
he humbled himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death—
even to death on a cross.
For this reason God highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow—
in heaven and on earth
and under the earth—
and every tongue will confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:5-11 CSB

As I sit here writing this today, I am listening to my son give reason after reason for why he is unable to defeat a level on his video game. And reason after reason for why he needs his brother’s help instead of mine and his dad’s help. I am reminded of all the times I have sought the help of others before that of my Heavenly Father.

Paul so beautifully gives us reason after reason to seek Christ, adopting His attitude and following His example. He writes, “For this reason God highly exalted him”. For what reason? Christ, “who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.” Reason: Christ did not use his position in the Godhead for his own personal gain in his humanity. Christ took on flesh, humbling himself as a servant and becoming obedient, even to death.

I have been guilty of spouting off wish list prayers to God and expecting Him to grant them like some magical genie. Using my position as His child to try and get what I want. Yet that is not the example Christ gave. His example was one of complete humility, depending on Almighty God and submitting obediently to His plan. When I seek my own agenda, desires, or plans, I am not willingly submitting to God’s plan. Emptying myself and allowing God to fill me with His Holy Spirit gives me the opportunity to walk in humble obedience. Seeking Him and His plan above everything else.

Questions for Reflection:

• Who do you go to first for advice or counsel?
• What does it mean to empty yourself?
• In what areas have you sought your own plans?
• Am I willing to empty myself to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

Father, forgive me for the times I have exploited Your grace. Help me to humbly lay my agenda, desires, and plans before You, believing Your plans are best. May I seek You with all my heart. Amen.