Famous In Heaven And At HomeSample

Here’s our character takeaway: She consistently extends her energy for good, and she is never off-duty for the people and the priorities that are most important to her.

Consider Jesus’ example. Philippians 2:7 describes how He laid down His deity and humbled Himself to take on human form. On earth, He was still very much God, but Jesus laid down His rights so that He could fulfill God’s purpose. 

We don’t have to wonder what His preference was. As Jesus prayed in the Garden before His betrayal and crucifixion, “He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.’”

No doubt, Jesus would have preferred to defeat sin with His deity alone, rather than an excruciating death. But He laid down His preference for a greater purpose. He laid down His preference for you and me. He laid down His preference to walk in obedience to God. 

If Jesus can lay down His deity to face an undeserved death, I’m pretty sure it makes any of our examples seem pretty petty in comparison. 

What “rights” have you hung onto that you may need to let go of in order to embrace your current season and His call on your life?

Let’s see the big picture: Every time we lay down our preference for God’s purposes, we are reflecting the attitude of Jesus. We are allowing fruit to form in our lives, which gives others glimpses of God as we go against the natural human impulse of selfishness. 

Purpose > Preference. 

God, help us to lay down our will for Yours. Help us to prioritize Your plans and Your purposes for us over our comfort and our preferences. Push us into our uncomfortable zone as we seek out opportunities to serve others with an attitude that reflects Your Son’s. Help us to remember that selfishness ruins love and that humility builds love. We are never off-duty for You, the family You have entrusted to us, and Your call on our lives. We’re all in. Your way over our way, every time. We love You so much.  Amen.