Tuesday 02 November 2010

Background

In the verse immediately preceding today's reading, Paul exhortsthe Philippians to look not only to their own interests, but alsoto the interests of others. If we all do this, everybody wins - andfor one simple reason: everyone is someone's 'someone else'! WhileI am looking after someone else's interests, someone else islooking after mine. The end result is that everyone getsahead.

Paul then goes on to illustrate for his readers the Christlikenature of looking out for other people. He recalls how Jesus gaveup equality with God to take on human form, come down to earth anddie on our behalf (see verses 6-8).

Living sacrificially is a sometimes underrated aspect of theChristian life, but it is a very important one, as it reflects akey aspect of Jesus' character. Whatever sacrifices we make foreach other pale into insignificance compared to sacrifice Jesusmade for us.

To Ponder

We are told in verse 7 that Jesus "emptiedhimself" for our sakes. In what ways can we empty ourselves in theservice of those around us?

When Paul says "let the same mind be in you thatwas in Christ Jesus" (verse 5), what does that mean to you?