The second of our Kingdom Prayer Requests, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus,” comes from Philippians 2:5.
“5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (NASB)
In context of the verses which follow, we can see clearly Paul is exhorting us to adopt the same selfless, humble servant heart which marked our Savior’s life and the submission and obedience which marked His death.
We ought to examine ourselves often and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to us whether we are manifesting these same qualities.
· Are we in the habit of esteeming others higher than ourselves, or do we insist on our own rights?
· Are we humble with each other, or do we see ourselves as just a bit smarter or better than the sinner to our right or to our left?
· Do we keep a keen eye on the knowledge that we are to walk out our own salvation with fear and trembling, or do we walk instead with a proud and haughty spirit, all but supposing we have somehow become worthy of heaven on our own merit?
· Are we willing to serve Our Lord and each other, or do we sit warming a pew while expecting to be served?
· Are we carrying our obedience to its full extreme, or do we obey merely when it is comfortable and convenient?
Dearest Lord Jesus, Only You can rightly judge our heart, as You know our hearts even better than we do. We pray together as a church family, unified in mind and purpose asking that daily You would renew in us a right spirit and a contrite heart; develop our attitudes and behavior to express You! You are the Potter and we the clay, mold us and make us into the image of Christ.
Teach us and guide us, keeping us humble and helpful. Lord, show us the ways in which we are to serve You through service to each other. And, may we serve each other without grumbling or faultfinding, as Paul exhorts. For if we do, we are told we will be bright lights in a dark world. May the lost of Lake County see the light and power of Christ through our service and our works and glorify the Father.
Lord, may we be found obedient servants of the Most High. May Your Spirit move in and among us, calling and guiding each of us to the plans that You have for us. May each heart be open to hearing Your call, and may we each become acutely aware that we have been saved on purpose for a purpose. Please reveal to us the work you have for us and may You find us receptive and obedient to the call, not for our own glory, but that all the glory and honor would belong to You!
May we each be found to have this attitude of Christ! AMEN!
No comments:
Post a Comment