Letting Go!

Letting go is not always easy. When it comes to our own interests, rights, and even privileges, we generally try to hold on to all we can. However, is it ever possible for such to get in the way of our fulfilling the purposes of God in our life?

Remember Jesus was called “Immanuel” which means, “God with us.” ( Matthew 1:23) In John’s Gospel Jesus was clearly introduced as being in the beginning with God and being God ( John 1:1-2) though He became flesh to live among us. ( John 1:14) There is a “oneness” to be acknowledged. ( John 10:30) However, consider how Paul described our Lord’s focus when He came to earth.

Pointing to Christ as the example for our life, Paul urged…
“(5) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, (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 2:5-8 ESV)

Here is the mind or attitude we as Christians are to cultivate. In the previous verses Paul had just addressed the idea of unity among the brethren there at Philippi and THE LOVE that was to be shared together with an emphasis on giving consideration to the interests of others. ( Philippians 2:1-4) We need to bear in mind Paul was not addressing the idea of others’ mere whims, but rather interests in the sense of concerns and needs. Paul then turned the focus toward Jesus as the model for such living.

Our Lord’s focus was that of not counting “equality with God a thing to be GRASPED.” Not that it was not His place. Not that it was out of His reach. Not that this was not a rightful focus for us to have toward Him. We need to see that Jesus was willing to give up for a time some of the privilege for which His Divine essence could have been used. In other words, He did not hold on to it, but set it aside, making Himself nothing, taking on the form of a servant and the likeness of mankind. ( Philippians 2:7) Jesus let go in order to carry out what needed to be done on our behalf. He was not thinking of Himself, but rather of us; our greatest spiritual interest, the salvation of our soul. In our Lord’s humility He served the purpose of Deity in making our redemption and salvation possible.

What one is willing to deny themselves (position, personal rights, comforts, etc.) or temporarily set aside for the sake of meeting the needs of others is one of the GREATEST SIGNS OF GENUINE LOVE. Like Jesus, we must never let go of the truth, but there are self interests that can be set aside for the moment as we turn our attention toward the interests of others. Letting go in this way opens the door for God to use us for His purposes. That is exactly what took place on our behalf through Christ. May we cultivate the same mind.

Have a great day LIVING A CHRIST-MINDED LIFE!
Carl

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