September 8, 2023

Philippians 2:5–8

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,

7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

It is important to allow God to work in our lives. Each one is born with a purpose. Before God can use us we must be willing to humble ourselves before God. We must be willing to die to ourselves in order to allow God to work in us.

Can it be imagined the love of Christ? The love so great it took Jesus, God of all creation, from His throne in Heaven coming to this world and subjecting Himself to those who hated Him. Jesus took on the form of His creation. Jesus loved His creation so much that He gave Himself even to the point of death.

“For God so loved…” Being a follower of Christ we are to love. Love others to the point of submission in order for others to see the Love of Christ in us.  Proverbs 16:18 tells us “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” Pride not only destroys a person but can also destroy others.

Billy Graham wrote, “When pride controls our lives, we end up thinking we are better than anyone else. Prideful people also have little love or compassion for others and are only interested in themselves. Most of all, a prideful person thinks they have little need for God, believing their way is always best. This is why pride is at the root of almost every other sin, because we think we can ignore God’s ways. No wonder the Bible says, ‘The Lord detests all the proud of heart.’ Proverbs 16:5 tells us “Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.”

In my own life, I have to watch this evil sin. Do I allow pride to supersede the will of God?  I write my daily devotions to myself.  I am so thankful to God, that when I have failed in following Him, or have not listened to Him He does not reject me. Submission to God replaces pride with a heart turned towards Him and not self.