Christian Foundations 4 - ServiceNäide

SERVE HUMBLY

The heart of our relationship with God is defined by the word GRACE. We do nothing to earn grace, but once we receive it, God gives us work to do that He has uniquely equipped us to accomplish. At its most basic, that work comes down to one word: SERVE. However, God is seeking a specific type of service. There are numerous selfish motivations that can drive service. We see this in the workplace, or in politics, or in our own lives. However, for Christians, there is only one valid motivation – a deep concern for the needs of others. That’s what drove Jesus. Check it out …

Read: Philippians 2:1-11

Journal

1. What is God saying to me? Which verse is most significant?

2. What do I want to discuss/explore further?

3. What do I need to do?

4. What did Jesus do that showed his deep humility?

Reflect

The contrasts are so stark in this Scripture. There are three distinct pictures ofJesus. First, Jesus is with God and is God. He is the creator and sustainer of the world. All of heaven adores His power and beauty. All of heaven’s resources are at his disposal. He is feted and worshipped. Second, by choice, Jesus is on earth serving people as a penniless human (he had to rely on friends to provide for Him). He is judged and criticized by the significant people and finally lays down His life – in shame tortured and crucified naked as a dangerous criminal. Then finally, Jesus is back with God and His authority is so great that the whole of heaven and earth is bowing before Him. That is such a tumultuous journey.

But the story of Jesus exemplifies the upside-down nature of Christianity. The rulers are the servants. The greatest are the least. The strongest are the weakest. The most acclaimed are the humblest. The richest are the poorest. The hideous are the most beautiful. Jesus knows all about this and calls us to see things the same way.

So our Christian journey is a downward one. It’s a journey of seeing the needs of others, laying down our lives for them, using our resources for their benefit, and prioritising others' needs over our own. Not holding on to our own reputation or ambitions or resources or desires. We follow the sacrificial journey of Jesus . It’s a journey to incredible greatness in God’s eyes.

It’s not that we ignore our own needs (2:4), but serving the needs of others becomes increasingly a priority for us.

Pray

This teaching goes against everything my old nature values, and frankly, I find it difficult. So I’m going to need a lot of help here. (I’m so glad that I have your Spirit in me.) But I will follow You, Jesus. You have walked this journey and I desperately want to do the same. Please change me and make me more like You.

Respond

Try to see someone else’s needs today. Make an effort to see things from their perspective. You may not be able to do anything to help, but at least try to understand.

Written by John Sweetman