“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross.”  Phil 2:5-8

Paul’s urging of believers to have the same attitude as Jesus is in stark contrast to today’s entitlement culture that is obsessed with rights.

Although Jesus is equal to God and worthy of divine entitlement, He didn’t enforce His personal rights and privileges. Instead, he chose to relinquish them.

Subsequently, Jesus unconditionally chose to embrace the very nature of a servant or slave. In any culture, a slave is a humble position; it designates being owned and having no rights except those the master allows. A master expects the servant to focus only on others’ needs, not on personal needs. Masters assign servants tasks to which they must willingly comply without complaint, reflecting utmost respect for the master’s authority.

The master-slave relationship entails no negotiable terms. What the Master says goes. It is an unconditional, complete surrender.

Jesus fully humbled and surrendered Himself — even until death. He did not set boundaries on the extent of his service. Jesus’ reward came from His Father — not from men. He lived and died in obedience to His Father’s will.

What does that mean for us? God calls us to unconditionally surrender and submit to the LORD’s assignments and the terms and conditions He sets. Our willing obedience must be without compromise, with deep respect for His authority — looking unto Him for reward and vindication. 

Do you have the same attitude as Jesus or are you fighting for personal rights and privileges? Is anger or resentment hindering you from being obedient to the LORD?

Father, in honor of Who You are, we bow before You again and ask You to take Your rightful place as our Lord and Master. Change our hearts to reflect the same attitude as Jesus who humbled Himself unto death on our behalf. Grant us a willing heart to sustain us. Work within us to embrace Your ways change us at the core of our hearts. Amen.

Take Action

Ask the Lord for opportunities today to serve others. Look for and expect those opportunities throughout your day. Pay attention to your actions and attitude.

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Tags: serve surrender