It applies to me too

I'm not one who typically makes confessionals sitting behind the keyboard of a computer. But I must admit that this morning I was moved by a passage of Scripture that I have read countless times.

Philippians 2:1-11 has long been a favorite biblical text of mine. In it, an incredible description of humility is framed in the example of Christ. As I was studying it this morning, I did what I usually do - I thought of ways that I could preach it or takes notes in such a way that it could be taught to others. Then, out of nowhere, it was if God hit me right in the heart. How was I being taught by this?

Jesus chose not to claim His right as God and willfully came to earth to become a servant for all mankind and as a result died that I might live. As I contemplated this reality I had to ask myself if I was a servant. Sadly, I couldn't think of many ways that my life pointed to servanthood. I'm not saying that I see myself as an overbearing, boorish type of guy who only wants to have his own needs met, but when I look beyond the surface of who I am I see someone who is incredibly selfish. I tend to work very hard within my schedule of work and family to make sure that I get to do the things that I want to do as often as I want to do them. As a minister I do serve other people but if I wasn't in that role would I still do it as often as I do?

On a practical level my mind has been spinning all morning on just how I can live this life of service that will honor God and bring the most glory to Christ. My prayer to God has been for Him to empty me of myself and grant to me the vision and ability to be humble and selfless on His behalf. It's not about me being a better person or winning accolades for my service. Instead it's about me becoming more like Christ and living the same life of sacrifice that He did.