Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who... made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross!
Christianity is not for wimps or the faint-hearted. Our example, Jesus,
"made himself nothing... taking the very nature of a servant... humbled himself... and became obedient to death - even on a cross!" That's tough stuff. What's more, he is our example of how to live and sacrifice for others. The story of Jesus may begin with a sweet child, a tender virgin girl, and a loving, strong man who protected them. However, it also starts with his crib being the trough where animals ate their food, while an evil king was plotting to murder him. The birth stories of Jesus are precious and powerful. They are not, however, saccharine-sweet fake sentiment. Jesus' way of life is about servants who are willing to pay the price to redeem the ungrateful and undeserving, and disciples who are different because they know their Redeemer and are determined to become like their Teacher, Savior, and Lord (
Luke 6:40).
Almighty God, loving Father, thank you for placing the Gospel story in the real world where I live. Jesus, thank you for being a Savior who has come into my world and faced its toughest edges and worst ugliness. Help me as I learn to be sacrificial, obedient, redemptive, and humble so that I can be used to help others find your grace and follow your example with me. In your mighty name, O Lord, I pray. Amen.
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