If you find any comfort from being in the Anointed, if His love brings you some encouragement, if you experience true companionship with the Spirit, if His tenderness and mercy fill your heart; then, brothers and sisters, here is one thing that would complete my joy—come together as one in mind and spirit and purpose, sharing in the same love. Don’t let selfishness and prideful agendas take over. Embrace true humility, and lift your heads to extend love to others. Get beyond yourselves and protecting your own interests; be sincere, and secure your neighbors’ interests first.
In other words, adopt the mind-set of Jesus the Anointed. Live with His attitude in your hearts. Remember:
Though He was in the form of God,
He chose not to cling to equality with God;
But He poured Himself out to fill a vessel brand new;
a servant in form
and a man indeed.
The very likeness of humanity,
He humbled Himself,
obedient to death—
a merciless death on the cross!
So God raised Him up to the highest place
and gave Him the name above all.
So when His name is called,
every knee will bow,
in heaven, on earth, and below.
And every tongue will confess
“Jesus, the Anointed One, is Lord,”
to the glory of God our Father!So now, my beloved, obey as you have always done, not only when I am with you, but even more so when I can’t be. Continue to work out your salvation, with great fear and trembling, because God is energizing you so that you will desire and do what always pleases Him.
Philippians 2:1-13 [The VOICE Translation]
Are you still doing the container filling and emptying? Today’s scripture points to this paradox of emptying and being filled in the person and spiritual paragon of Jesus of Nazareth. Biblical scholars assert that this section is most likely an ancient hymn from the very early Church, which the apostle Paul inserted into his writings to help make a point. These words of great sacrifice were thus intoned among the communities of the 1st century that were themselves facing sacrifice and loss – imposed upon them, not chosen – in the times of persecution in the Roman Empire.
Today I hear comments about self-sacrifice, the emptying out of one’s own vessel, which are regularly and automatically associated with self fulfillment. It’s as if there is an equation: empty yourself out and you will be filled. And while that’s a spiritual truth – according to observation – it isn’t that easy.
In giving of yourself to God, to others, to the world…what fears to you have that impede you, that keep you holding some(thing) back?