In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2, 5
Jesus was identical to God, yet he lived his life like a human being. He did not strive to be God’s equal. He distanced himself from his divine being and became man’s equal. He humbled himself and was obedient until death, death on the cross. That is why God exalted him and gave him the name that is greater than any name on earth, so that all in Heaven and on earth, and below the earth bow before the name of Jesus, so that every mouth profess: "Jesus Christ is Lord." – Praise be to God, the Father.
Paul begins the chapter as follows:
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and one of mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
We want to become like Jesus. Paul gives a very precise description of Jesus in his letter to the Philippians. When we, like Jesus give up our self-righteousness and rather seek the praise of God and the good of our fellow man, then God will take care of us, just as he took care of Jesus. There is no need for us to fight this battle alone, for his power is at work within us. Only God can enable us to live our lives as Jesus did.
Jesus, I want to give you my life. I want to live as you lived, giving up my selfishness. Please cleanse me, sanctify me, and use me! Thank you for being by my side, for living for me if I live for you. You are my greatest treasure.
Bible study for today: Isaiah 5, 1-30