Philippians 2:5-11
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
All someone has to say to me is some form of “Do you realize who you are dealing with?”… “Do you realize who I am?” and my hackles are raised immediately. There are plenty of people in this world who think that others should bow down and cater to their every whim because of who they are… or who their parents are… how wealthy they may be… or their “position” in life as a business person, politician, or celebrity (if only in their own mind!).
Wouldn’t it have been easy for Jesus to ask this question…“Do you realize who I am? Do you know you are dealing with the Son of God?” He could have stood tall against the Roman soldiers and said, “STOP! You are in the presence of Greatness! You cannot treat me this way.” And yes, He could have stopped all of the torture and the crucifixion any time He wanted. Instead, Jesus chose to suffer and die… for you and me. He chose to minister to people by meeting them where they were… on a level playing field… rather than riding in on a white horse wearing a flowing robe and crown and carrying a royal scepter.
Let me ask you something… who would you rather encounter – someone who is genuine, humble and truly seems to care about you and what you have to say? Or would you rather be in the presence of someone who perceives himself/herself to be superior – and expects you to recognize this and react accordingly? When you go about your day, will others be drawn to you because you are warm, real and sincere… or will you turn them off with your arrogance and piety?
Who do you think you are? Who are you really? There may be a difference! We need to recognize that we are the children of God Almighty – cleansed by the blood of Jesus and heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven. But we also need to behave as Jesus did… humbly and gently… never lording it over others or giving them even one hint of superiority or condescension. If we have any hope of being effective ministers for Christ, we have to follow His model of humility. We have to focus on relating to people in their comfort zone … to help them to discover the Good News of Jesus and experience the promises of God in their own lives.
If we “keep it real,” we can be assured that God will bless us… that we will be rewarded with the applause of Heaven. I don’t know about you, but that is more than enough recognition for me! I know who I am already… and I’m not keeping it a secret. But I hope I never give anyone else the impression that I am unapproachable or superior in any way – especially because of my relationship with God. Someday, I hope to proudly claim my place as an heir to God’s Kingdom!” That will be all of the recognition I ever need. What about you? Who do others think you are these days? Is it time for a “humility check?”
©2012 Debbie Robus
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