The Prodigal's ReturnSample

Attitude

Randy Harmon

[Philippians 2:5-8 NASB] Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

“Attitude is everything,” sounds like something you would read on a motivational poster. In Philippians 2:5-8 the Apostle Paul is writing to early believers about humility and service. Though he was writing to them in a specific context, this message is relevant to us as believers today. Our attitude or “mind,” he says, should be like Christ’s. Though He was God, He emptied Himself and took on the form of a slave. That emptying of self is often easier said than done. Putting others’ interests ahead of our own does not come easy for us. Still, in obedience and imitation of Jesus, we make a conscious choice through the help of the Holy Spirit, to take on a new attitude as He creates us into new beings in Christ. When we empty ourselves, we make room for Him! Jesus was humble, obedient, and self-sacrificing in following God’s plan. That is the call for our lives as well. Not just to be “good people,” but to be obedient followers of Jesus our Savior. When is the last time you lived out this principle without expectation of recognition? God calls us to follow and obey, to look like Jesus for His glory and for our good.

Lord, help my attitude to be like Jesus so that people will be drawn to You! Amen.