In my last devotion I wrote about following the example of Jesus. I want to continue that thought today on the basis of another passage.

Philippians 2:3-8 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!

This passage calls us to humility. We can boast in Christ, but not ourselves. We should follow His example of being humble and obedient to the Father. Being united with Christ should put an end to selfishness and conceit through repentance and forgiveness. The Scripture is full of the message of repentance. This message is repeated so often because it is something we all need to do. Being united with Christ means we will admit our sins, turn from them, and confess them to God so that we can be assured of His forgiveness for Jesus’ sake.

Another reason for humility is the recognition of who God is and who we are. Our faith in Christ as Savior tells us that He is the Son of the living God, who left the majesty of Heaven to pay for our mistakes. He lovingly laid down His perfect life to pay for our sins. He freely gives us pardon and redemption, a gift we could never earn and don’t deserve. God did it all. We simply receive the gift.

Being united with Christ turns things upside down. The ways of the world are no longer the ways we should follow. Our attitude should be the same as the one with whom we are united. He took the nature of a servant. He offered Himself in service to those around Him, and to all people. He spoke of this repeatedly with His disciples:

I am among you as one who serves. Luke 22:27

If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Mark 8:34

the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28

The way we show God’s love is by serving others. But many of the followers of Jesus never get to that point. They hear the Good News. They rejoice in the message of forgiveness earned by Jesus and given to us. So they fold their hands and come to worship. That’s good, and God wants your worship. But He also wants you to unfold your hands to welcome and reach out to others for Christ. Lives of service for Jesus take place when you unfold your hands and set out to serve Him by serving your neighbor.

It all centers in Jesus. If we are united with Him, our attitude will be like His. We will serve others and proclaim Jesus.

God, help us to be servants.