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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 emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11 Revised Standard Version Bible)
Sunday I preached on being strong in the Lord. Our strength comes from Him and helps us with our everyday trials and temptations. We talked about the armor of God and how that equipment from God helps us face all that Satan may throw at us. Now Paul writes that if we have the same mind in us that was in Christ, that will also bless our efforts. And the first thought that he shares is that we should assume the mindset of a humble, yet powerful servant of God; meaning that instead of thinking, "Yes sir, yes ma'am, I'm the Son of God, look out, here I come!" No, Jesus emptied Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, even death on a cross. That's where His exaltation came from as God lifted Jesus up at His lowest point to where He needed to be. We know we are God's children, but that should be seen as a powerful responsibility and not a privilege. We seek to serve God and God's people and it is in our obedience that we truly receive what God has prepared for us. For Jesus it meant His receiving "the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knew should bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
One of the biggest challenges the Church, and many of us, are facing is whose name and viewpoint is the most important? If we seek to take God's place, we will end up nowhere. If we seek to get our way, we will only see the way out. Humility is a strong attribute to possess when we seek to become servants of God. We recognize God for Who He is, and for who we are. We can then take on our role of serving others in ways that will glorify God and bless God's people.
I have shared how when I arrived at my internship placement, I was terrified. I knew that without God I would have left the internship many times over. My first sermon I thought was terrible; my interacting with people left a lot to be desired, and then the issue of language, don't get me started. I was interning in a Spanish dominant church of the Spanish language conference, the Río Grande Conference, and after twelve years of public school, three of university and almost four of seminary, I had lost most of mi español. But again, if it hadn't been for God, I would have left the church and God only knows where I would have ended up. Yet, key in all of my struggles was the thought that I was there not to be served or glorified, but to serve and glorify God. That made all the difference in the world, and I pray in Heaven, too. I thank God that from time to time someone will send a note or message reminding me of a blessing I was able to share, for God's sake, with them; and in the same way, we still have many opportunities to keep doing that for all of God's people. The world needs it and wtih God's help, we will do it!
PRAYER: Loving and merciful God, for Thy mercies we are thankful. For Your guidance we have reached the point of faith where we are, and with Your continued guidance we will reach the point of faithful service. Let us seek to serve and glorify You; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Serve someone today in the Name of Jesus; for His is the Name above all names!
Receive my blessings of peace and hope,
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
