I have really been enjoying the study entitled, "Devotional Messages", by George Foster. It is a wonderful collection of short teachings spanning the Old and New Testament where each teaching is rightly divided and fitting for the current administration of grace in which we live. The forth study is what inspired this letter to you. It magnifies Philippians and the example our Lord Jesus Christ set before us of humility and setting our gaze on the prize of the high calling.
Philippians 2:1-11
Php. 2:1: If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
Php. 2:2: Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Php. 2:3: Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Php. 2:4: Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Php. 2:5: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Php. 2:6: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Php. 2:7: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Php. 2:8: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Php. 2:9: Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Php. 2:10: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Php. 2:11: And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
This passage in Philippians is pointing a mature Christian to the mindset we ought to carry. Being full of love and likeminded about the things of the Word. Esteeming others and not exalting ourselves in any way. Christ was our perfect example. He had every reason to glory in His power and ability, yet traded it all to be like us, human and feel the pain and struggle of life on earth, to redeem us and invite us into His family.
On this earth, we see the evidence of self-gratification and self-glorification, neither attitudes which were ever held by Jesus Christ. Regardless of what various messages out there are telling you, attaining success, honors, and recognition for anything you do that is carnal is a way to lose focus on what really matters. In Philippians we see these charges given: be like minded, do NOTHING out of selfish ambition or conceit, consider others and their interests as better than your own, and be humble like a faithful servant. These fly in the face of what society teaches: Look out for #1, love yourself, promote your agenda at all times, take care of yourself first, be proud and loud about all you have done. When we choose to live and walk heavenly, its apparent to those around us. It is funny because most of us dislike seeing an arrogant person expressing their own brilliance or talent, yet how often do we fall into that same trap? It is an easy and slippery slope, and when we begin to see our accomplishments as a platform to elevate our status, rather than glorifying God for gifting us with the knowledge or ability to perform it, we have all together lost sight of who we are in Christ and what is REALLY important.
Anytime there is a player on a team that forgets that they have other team mates and tries to win the game alone, will soon face defeat. As believers, we are all on the same team with Christ as our Team Captain. When we listen to and imitate the behavior of the Team Captain (Head of The Body), we begin to see the blessings of joining together to move us ahead in the game. When a player isn't following instructions, and plays different strategies than the team, everyone suffers. The other team gets the ball because our rogue player lost focus of the unity. What if all of the players of a team decided to play their own individual game? Even if we had a team of all-stars, if they were all running a different play, they would not be successful to score or win because of the lack of unity. We must realize the importance of our witness. One thing that is repeated often in the Scriptures is that a follower of Christ should behave out of love and live aware of the sacrifice made for them, which is often expressed by how he/she treats others. It is because Christ first loved us that we can love Him and others. It is the realization of what He has called us to, and the inheritance which we have in store, that should keep our gaze fixed on things above. For our life is hidden in Christ, in the heaven of heavens and we are to see this earthly life as a slow and on going journey to our final destination: Far Above All.
Philippians 3:13-15
Php. 3:13: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Php. 3:14: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Php. 3:15: Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
As a practical application to these verses let us consider the classic tale of "The Tortoise and The Hare". You'll remember that in the sight of the world, the Hare had the physical advantage, yet allowed the pride of life and the distractions of getting noticed by others, to get in the way of his race. His focus was on himself and what others thought of him. The tortoise, had nothing to boast for yet remained faithful. He wasn't the leader, nor was he impressive, but he stayed on mission and didn't get off course. Life is bound to throw us distractions to waylay us on this race, but if we study the Word and walk in the Spirit, we will stay the course and have fewer pitfalls along the way.
The study notes conclude with the statement from George Foster "If we live according to the light God has given us, He will give us more light and knowledge to become mature christians."
Questions to ask yourself?
How is my attitude? Would someone consider me humble or arrogant?
What or perhaps who is currently distracting me or pulling me off course?
What will I do this week to set my focus on things above?
I highly recommend this devotional study book. It is available in PDF form for free on the Believer.com website under the top menu >Sharing >Free Books >Devotional Messages by George Foster or by clicking on the title link in this sentence.
May the Lord bless you this week as you strive to be a humble and faithful servant.
In Christ,
Kacy
