Christian Foundations 4 - ServiceSample

SERVE HUMBLY

The heart of our relationship with God is defined by the word GRACE. We do nothing to receive grace, but what are we supposed to do once we receive grace? God has given us work to do and has uniquely equipped us to do it. At its most basic, that work comes down to one word, SERVE. But God is looking for a particular type of serving. There are a whole lot of selfish motivations that can drive serving. We see this in the workplace, or in politics, or in our own lives. But for Christians, there is only one valid motivation – caring deeply about 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. First, Jesus is with God and is God. He is the creator and sustainer of the world. All of heaven bows to his power and beauty. All of heaven’s resources are at his disposal. He is feted and adored. Second, by choice, he 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 third, he’s back with God and his authority is so great that the whole of heaven and earth is bowing before him. Get your head around that!

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 life journey is a downward one. It’s a journey into seeing the needs of others, laying down our lives for others, using our resources for others, considering others more important than ourselves. Not holding on to our own reputation or ambitions or resources or desires. We follow the sacrificial Jesus journey. 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 an increasing 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 lived this and I desperately want to do the same. Please change me and make me 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.