Jesus Our Example

Phillippians 2:5-8
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Let this mind be in you. The Christian life is not merely intellectual assent to a list of orthodox tenets. It is internalizing the teaching and example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the corporate world man starts at the bottom and works his way to the top. In God’s world Jesus started at the top, he was God and became low, chose to humble himself for the sake of his people.
To the corporate world Jesus did everything backwards. Jesus was God but made himself of no reputation. He was one who deserved all honor and glory. He was King of Kings and Lord of Lords yet he became a servant. He started at the top and died a beggar in the street hung on a shameful cross.
It is ironic that we today give all our energy and resources to do just the opposite. The corporate world would shudder at the thought of anyone becoming a servant. Maybe this is why Jesus told those who admired him so that they would have to deny themselves in order to follow or become one of his disciples. Many Christians today want to claim discipleship, but without the sacrifice, without the self-denial, without the humility.
To one who serves falls the task of assisting and helping others. This task is far more important for the larger goal than fleeting glory or short lived recognition. The goal should be to ensure the larger picture reaches completion and accolades are directed to others. Quietly and efficiently a good servant will seek only to ensure the success for those whom he serves.
Humility is not a trait man seeks, for it goes against his very nature. By nature man wants to walk in front, stand above all and bask in the acclaim of his peers. Jesus could have done this but chose to be a servant instead.
If one seeks humility and servitude he will be most happy as those he serves receive the rewards and applause. A true servant will cheer loudly as those he serves reach great heights.
A true servant heart will give up personal goals and dreams so that others may achieve higher status. While others play or shirk responsibility the servant will uncomplaining provide the menial details required. He will work behind the scenes. Many would call this ridiculous. Others say this one needs to get a life. Yet in the end when all acclaim is given those who are content to play the servant rejoices as the awards are presented. The servant rejoices the more as those whom he serves stand as the volume of the applause rises.
He then seeks another whom he can serve. This is what humility is all about, dying to ones self so that others may stand in the light. Jesus not only died to himself he died for us so that we could live. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.