Scripture
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature[ of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
Reflection
Relationships give us meaning. The recent coronavirus isolation has taught many of us how important relationships are to our mental and spiritual health. Community gives us enjoyment, energy, insight, and support. God has created us to need other people. But as much as you need others, others need you.
The fullness of God’s goodness is inaccessible if we are merely focused on receiving His rewards. This is the same as in community. If we only want to be blessed by others, we cannot be fully blessed. However, as we give ourselves to others, only then can we receive the fullness of what community has to offer.
Paul is reminding us in this passage that, in community, our mindset should be the same as Jesus Christ. Our focus should be on how to serve others. This requires us to look beyond our most immediate emotions, to stop keeping score in relationships, and to empathize with those in our lives. Our lives should be marked by the spirit of giving, and not demanding. Only then can the full richness of relationship be manifested in our lives.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Community. It’s easy for us to feel isolated, effectively quarantined. Pray that people will still be able to reach out and support one another and feel supported.
