As we live our lives with Christ Jesus, we receive encouragement from this bless-giving relationship. We receive Christ's love, fellowship with the Holy Spirit, and we're blessed by His tenderness and compassion -- Our aim should be to have the same thoughts: We share the same love, we're one in the spirit and purpose. We should do nothing out of selfish ambition nor vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than ourselves. We should seek to fulfill not only our own interests, but also the needs and interests of others around us.
Our attitude should be the same as Jesus Christ:
Christ, though being God, sought not to be equal with God, but instead made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, in human likeness.
Jesus humbled Himself, became obedient even unto death, yes, even death on a cross!
As a result, God exalted Him to the highest places and gave Him
the name that is above all names-- that at the mention of Jesus' name, every knee shall bow, in Heaven and earth, even under the earth that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the honor and glory of God the Father.
PHIL-ME-UP PRAYER: Loving God, help me in my daily life to be obedient, seeking to live a life worthy of my salvation, with fear and trembling, for I know it is You at work in my life; may I live and act in a way that serves your good purposes. May I do all things without complaining or arguing so that i may become blameless and pure, a true child of yours without fault even in the midst of this crooked and depraved generation. May You shine on me in such I way that I reflect Your glory - even to glorify You on the day of Christ. In all things, let me be glad and rejoice with others. I pray this in Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
