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Jesus, My Example

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:311 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/php.2.3-11.NLT

Jesus is the example I follow. Sure, I do it imperfectly. So do you. He already knows that about us. We follow Him, none the less, becoming more like Him the longer we follow.

The Apostle Paul gives us clear guidance in following Jesus:

  • Don’t be selfish
  • Don’ try to impress others
  • Be humble
  • Think of others as better than yourselves
  • Consider the interest of others
  • Have the same attitude of Jesus

What a list. The last one on the list supports all of the others. Having the same attitude as Christ.

There is some specific information about Christ’s attitude that is important for us:

  • He gave up equal standing – didn’t cling to it
  • He gave up privilege – specifically – divine privilege
  • He took the humble position of serving under another’s authority, as if a slave
  • He humbled himself before God
  • Died a criminal’s death on the cross

God’s response to all of this is also key:

  • God elevates Jesus to the highest honor
  • Jesus’ name is above any other name
  • Everyone will bow to Jesus
  • Every tongue will declare that Jesus Christ is Lord
  • All of this is for the glory of God, the Father

Reflection

This is a lot to take in. Yet, the focus is very clear. Have the same attitude as Jesus, give yourself up for the sake of others. God will take care of you and raise you up. This is the path of following Jesus.

Encouragement

Let’s follow Jesus’ example together. It is a contrast to what the world encourages. To follow Jesus involves spending time with Him, knowing the Word of God, and doing what it says. We need other people to encourage us who are doing the same.

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for Your example of how to live. May I have the same attitude as You. Help me not to be selfish. I don’t want to live seeking the approval of others, yet, I am prone to do so. May I live with a humble spirit, prioritizing the well being of others over myself. My I trust God to take care of my well being. Please lead me in following You. You are my example.

In Your amazing name, I pray, Amen.

Quietly Faithful: Remembering Gary Kocher

Throughout Warm Beach Camp’s history, certain individuals have come along who perfectly encapsulate what it is to be a servant of Christ. Gary Kocher was one of those people. He dedicated his life to humbly glorifying God, serving others, and diligently carrying out the work that was entrusted to him. Let us now revisit the impact that Gary has had on Warm Beach Camp (WBC). Gary Kocher was a volunteer youth leader in the Pacific Northwest Conference of the Free ...

A Different Place for Different Needs

If you walk around the Warm Beach Camp (WBC) grounds during a specific week in the spring, there’s a good chance you’ll hear beautiful music pouring out of almost every meeting room. The Northwest Big Band takes over much of the main conference center grounds and floods the space with their sweet melodies during their time at WBC. “It’s so peaceful here,” One of the group’s leaders, Kate Erb, said, “so our participants can focus on their music and their ...

Living at Peace

“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9 NLT God blesses us for doing the work of living at peace with ourselves and others. Peace reflects the character of God. A young woman named Skyler shared a video on the You Version Bible App on this verse. She likened the quality of peace as being one thing that shows us as being children of God. She went on to the ...