Leaving It Behind! (1 of 2)

Life is full of aspirations and wonderful plans. Such focuses compel us to press on. Without a goal it is difficult to plot a life course and who knows where one might end up with nothing definite to aim toward. However, it is not too difficult to quickly fill our schedules with so many plans and other things that it is possible to crowd out that which is of utmost importance. It then becomes far too easy to begin trusting in our own plans -- even in our own selves. This was the very thing the rich fool failed to recognize in his life plans. ( Luke 12:16-21) Though he was wealthy with regard to worldly goods, he was spiritually impoverished. As this rich fool had an “I” problem, we must guard against SELF (our own desires or plans) getting in the way.

Even our Lord was willing to EMPTY HIMSELF for the greater Will of the Father. Where would we be had Jesus not left heaven and come to earth? What would we have missed if Jesus had been unwilling to set aside His greater glory and take on flesh and walk among mankind? What if Jesus had chosen some other way rather than for the Will of the Father to be done? ( Matthew 26:39) We would still be in our sins!

Paul referred to our Lord’s ATTITUDE in this way:
“(6) who, THOUGH HE WAS IN THE FORM OF GOD, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, (7) but MADE HIMSELF NOTHING, TAKING THE FORM OF A SERVANT, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, (8) HE HUMBLED HIMSELF by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” ( Philippians 2:6-8 ESV)

Consider Jesus having left the glory of Heaven to walk where He had nowhere to call His own to lay His head. ( Matthew 8:20) In contrast to the rich fool who was rich in material goods with a focus on his own benefit and was declared to be poor in a spiritual sense, Paul pointed out how though Christ was rich, He became poor so that we, by His poverty, might become rich. ( 2 Corinthians 8:9) Yes, Jesus received that glory back again ( Philippians 2:9-11), but for a time, He left it behind with us in mind.

Jesus willingly emptied Himself for our sake. Paul exhorted the Philippians brethren to have that SAME MIND (attitude) THAT CHRIST HAD. ( Philippians 2:7) As Jesus left Heaven with us in mind, we are to be willing to HUMBLE OURSELVES with Him in mind. This is the attitude which will have the greatest impact on our relationships with one another within the church.
(note Philippians 2:3-4) It will also affect our willingness to submit to the supremacy of Christ. And in so doing we will be blessed because our focus will have become properly centered on Him and His Will.

Have a great day NOT LETTING SELF GET IN THE WAY!
Carl

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