Bible Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
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, Being made in human likeness, and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
A Reflection:
As we approach the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of the Queen I am struck by the relationship between status and rank, and the way that power and authority are expressed in our world. Most would agree that throughout her reign the Queen has been an example to all of us in the way she has served her people and continues to do so into her 90s. Sadly there are many examples around the world where power and authority are abused, to the detriment of the people they are there to lead and to serve.
In these verses from Paul’s letter to the Philippians he reminds them, and us, of the ultimate power and authority that Jesus has as God the Son and also of his willingness to lay down that power, not using it for his own advantage, but choosing instead to serve and to save the world.
Each one of us has power to some degree or another and each one of us can choose to use that power to serve ourselves or to serve others. We may express that power in the things we do or don’t do, or in the things we say or don’t say, that affect the lives of others for good or for harm
I wonder where you have power in your life. It might be in the workplace, the community, the church or the home. It might be the power to affect someone’s employment. It might be the power to support someone or something financially. It might be the power to lend a hand and give practical help. It might simply be the power to phone someone who is struggling or lonely and to encourage them.
Wherever it is that we have power, let us follow Paul’s instructions and, in our relationships with others, let us have the mindset of Jesus. Let us choose to use our power in order to serve others. and, as Jesus did, let us do it to the glory of God, and not for our own glory.
Pray:
Lord Jesus, in all I do and say today,
help me to use the power and the gifts that I have to serve others so that you may be glorified. Amen
Brother, sister, let me serve you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQaOErUUjm8
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