Lessons from Jesus’ Humility
In the quiet moments of the morning, I found myself pondering a profound thought: "I sure am glad Jesus never said 'what about me?'" It struck me that there is no record of Jesus questioning how his obedience to God the Father would benefit him personally. His sole motive was rooted in unconditional love and unwavering obedience to the Father.
In a world where our humility and grace often extend only as far as it's convenient for us, the example set by Jesus can be an inspiration. It brings to mind the exhortation found in Philippians chapter 2, urging us to "adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus." This passage paints a vivid picture of Jesus, existing in the form of God, yet choosing not to exploit equality with God. Instead, he humbled himself, emptying his divine essence to assume the form of a servant.
The challenge laid out in Philippians calls us to reflect on our own attitudes and motivations. How often do we extend grace and mercy to others only when it suits our convenience? How frequently do our acts of kindness come with an unspoken expectation of receiving something in return? Jesus, in his selfless approach, calls us to a higher standard—one marked by love that transcends personal gain.
The call to "adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus" is a radical invitation to emulate a love that goes beyond the limits of self-interest. It encourages us to break free from the chains of transactional kindness and embrace a more profound, selfless love. Jesus didn't calculate the benefits of his obedience; he simply loved because that was his nature.
As we navigate our daily lives, let's strive to be the type of people who extend grace and mercy even when it's inconvenient, even when there's nothing for us to gain. The lessons from Philippians remind us that true love is sacrificial, extending beyond the borders of personal comfort. It challenges us to love others not for what we might receive in return, but for the sake of love itself.
Jesus' unwavering love serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder. It challenges us to be intentional about adopting the same attitude that characterized the life of Christ—a life driven by unconditional love and selfless obedience. May we strive to love beyond our own convenience, extending grace and mercy even when it costs us something.
