Articles

Have you ever been told by someone, “You’re not going to tell me how to act or what to do!” Such a disdainful attitude is so rebellious and belligerent. It also speaks volumes about the individual himself/herself. As Christians, followers of Jesus Christ, we are exhorted to develop the same attitude as Christ.

“Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal’s death on a cross.” (Phil. 2:5-7; TNLT)

Perhaps the greatest strength is the ability to humble ourselves. No doubt it is Christlikeness! Yet it goes beyond that in taking an active concern and action in putting others wants, needs, and concerns ahead of ourselves. Jesus did not consider his own pleasures, comforts, desires or rights, but put the needs of others above his own and took on flesh. We are to be like Christ and have this same attitude.

A little later Paul writes,
“Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among who you shine as lights in the world ... so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” (14-16)