Daily Devotionals

Get in the Game: Week 4 - Monday

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:5

Who is someone you admire? Maybe you are thinking of a family member, a friend, or even a public figure who has done something good in the world that is admirable. These kinds of people set an incredible example for us to follow. They show us how to live a life of meaning and impact. The truth is, however, that no person on this earth is perfect. Even those we admire most have messed up and let others down. They are an example for us, but they are not the example. Only one person on earth lived a sinless, perfect life and set a perfect example for us to follow. Only one person lived a life worth following and will never let us down, and that is Jesus. 

The apostle Paul wrote about the example Jesus modeled for us in Philippians 2. In this chapter, he warned against living only for ourselves. He wrote, "Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves" (verses 3-4). In case readers need further explanation of how to live humbly and selflessly, Paul continues his teaching by giving an example of what it looks like to live this way. He wrote, "You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had" (verse 5). What was Jesus' attitude like? Paul told us as his writing in Philippians 2 continued. "Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to" (verse 6). Although He is God, Jesus chose humility. In fact, "He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross" (verse 8). Jesus showed us what it looks like to live in humility. He did not demand special privileges or to be treated better than anyone else. He thought of other people. He sought out others in need. He constantly laid down His rights, privileges, and needs to serve other people. 

When you think about Jesus' model of humility and service, what stands out to you? Is it His selflessness? Maybe His consistent effort to help the people around Him stand out. Perhaps what stands out to you is His willingness to sacrifice and lay down His life. Will you, too, choose humility? Will you follow His example? Choose today to live a life of humility, looking out for the interest of others instead of your own.  

Moving Toward Action

After you read through the verses listed in the Going Deeper section below, reflect on the example Jesus set. You can look at other Scripture passages in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John if you would like. After reflecting on Jesus' example, write down the traits and characteristics that you notice. After you are finished with your list of the examples Jesus set, ask God to help you as you seek to model Jesus' example of humility and service. 

Going Deeper

Philippians 2:1-11

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

6 Though he was God,

he did not think of equality with God

as something to cling to.

7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;

he took the humble position of a slave

and was born as a human being.

When he appeared in human form,

8 he humbled himself in obedience to God

and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor

and gave him the name above all other names,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.