Philippians 2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

It is interesting that the Japanese in this verse seems to point back to verses 2 and 3, whereas the English clearly points forward to verses 6-11. However, either way it is clearly talking about a fundamental humility that is all too uncommon. That actually is hardly surprising, because we consider Christ to be so far above us that we could never be like Him, when one of the very reasons He came was to show us, as a human being, what human beings are supposed to be like. Paul talks repeatedly about our being “transformed into His likeness” (2 Corinthians 3:18) and “attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13) We tend to give up before we start! The thing is, we can’t possibly do that on our own, any more than a surgeon could perform heart surgery on himself. However, God can do it, and we need to choose to cooperate. We tend to hold back for any number of reasons, but the more we choose to be like Christ, the more His presence will fill us with peace and joy. Again as Paul said, we can do it through Him who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13)

I have just been through a very intense lesson in this. The temptation to lash out and/or throw in the towel was intense, but God brought me through. God provided two brothers, at separate times, to come alongside me and speak on my behalf when I essentially couldn’t open my mouth. It was further confirmation that God’s plans for me are good, whatever lies the devil might be telling me or telling others about me. The road ahead is still long, but in Christ it is sure. I have learned that I’ve got to be much more careful to bring others along with me, rather than running on ahead by myself. As someone with teaching as my primary gifting, I tend to feel like dumping truth on people should be sufficient to change them, when it hardly ever it. Since last year I have been exposed to teaching on what is called “Coaching,” in the church setting. Initially I heard that as being a replacement for teaching, which naturally didn’t sit too well. However, at the most recent seminar it was made clear that we need teaching, coaching, and example to get the message of life in Christ across fully. I think I’ve done fairly well about the example part and teaching comes almost automatically to me, so it is indeed the coaching I need to grow in. That’s where imparting faith and vision comes in, and that’s where I have obviously failed up to this point.

Father, thank You for Your grace. Going through the rock crusher doesn’t feel very good, but I had some hard spots that needed crushing. Thank You. Help me indeed choose the attitude of Christ consistently, so that many will be drawn to repentance and faith through me, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!