READ: Phil. 2:5-8: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Self-denial is one of the most difficult challenges. Autonomy and self-interest are naturally ingrained in the sinful human heart. There is only one way to overcome this: to accept and follow Jesus Christ. Letting His mindset rule your life means allowing His Spirit to work in you and not resisting Him.
Your thoughts and will must be directed towards the well-being and salvation of others rather than personal gain. The attitude of Christ can conquer the mindset of the sinful, selfish flesh. The proud, self-centered nature of man must be transformed into a gentle and humble nature, where serving others takes priority.
Christ demonstrated this perfectly. His humiliation is incomparable. Though He was God, He emptied Himself to save us. He did not cling to His equality with God as something to be grasped for His own advantage.
This does not mean that Christ ceased to be God when He became man, but rather that He did not use His divine glory for His own benefit. He set it aside so that His divinity was hidden behind His assumed humanity.
Instead of His majestic exaltation, He displayed the weakness of a man in a fallen state. He did not claim His divine status for Himself. Except for sin, He became fully human and sacrificed Himself by humbling Himself to the point of death, even death on a cursed cross.
In doing so, He was obedient to the utmost. His unique role in our reconciliation with God also serves as an example for our lives (compare Eph. 5:2).
In what ways are you “humble”?
Sing: Ps. 25:4