Saturday, March 19, 2005

Servant of the Living God

Philippians 2:3-8

3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

There are some christians who spend their entire lives in heated and bitter conflicts. In such an environment it is very unlikely that people can live in an community of brotherly love. As christians we should not become boastful and be filled with unwarranted pride in our accomplishments or qualities, for this leads to self worship and self glorification. Whatever we accomplish or qualities we emulate we must humbly accept as the grace of God. 

 Amy Carmichael gave up everything that life had to offer her in England and proceeded to her mission with undiminished commitment. She went to South India, where she led a life of complete devotion for 55 years to her calling as the shepherd of temple children. She opened an orphanage in Dohnavur. Being a gifted writer, she has many books to her credit. She yielded her life completely to Christ.

As brothers and sisters in Christ we are not to be overly concerned about our own possessions but also to the needs of those in our family, our community of faith and the world at large. The mind that Christ had when he was on earth was one that was submissive to the will of God in his life. Though he was God he took the form of one that was not equal to God. He became like a servant in the likeness of man. In his humility he obediently laid down his life for the salvation of all mankind. 

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Christt was always available for others to meet their needs. For his personal growth he spent time with God in prayer.

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