The Opposite of Fear

           If there is one thing in our world that is not in short supply, it is fear. This powerful emotion confronts every human being in different ways, at different times, and with different results. Whatever its cause in each person’s life, fear has the potential to paralyze or to energize. My cousin’s daughter recently posted the following saying on Facebook: “FEAR has two meanings: ‘Face Everything And Run’ or “Face Everything And Rise’ – the choice is yours.” I’m sure she has been challenged by fears of many kinds, because her first child was born with serious health problems and has been faced with many challenges since. Our lives have no guarantees, and many things can happen over which we have no control.

            I recently underwent a short period of fear in my life. Though it did not last long, it was intense. I could not focus or concentrate on anything else, I was distracted, I was afraid of what I knew and, quite frankly, terrified of what I did not know. I had encountered a situation that began to overwhelm me with worry about an uncounted number of unknown, negative possibilities. I could see no positive endpoints. Have you ever been overwhelmed by some future unknown or by something that you could not change, fix, or impact?

We live in a dangerous world: filled with murder rampages, tornadoes, wildfires, plane crashes… we could make a large list, couldn’t we? Along with all these “dangerous” circumstances is a media and worldwide communications system that pump up all the information and, in many ways, feed the fear. It causes us to think the world and the people in it are totally out of control and that, sooner or later, it’s going to “get” us. “Some way… some how… some day… some thing is going to happen to us! We won’t be able to stop it! We won’t be able to control it! We won’t be able to fix it! We won’t be able to do anything.”

            In a world where the potential for fear is great, what would you say our best response should be? Should we run and hide (flight)? Should we go on the offensive (fight)? Many in the world would suggest that courage is the opposite of fear. And there is a sense that that is true. But I don’t think it’s ultimately right. The true opposite of fear is faith. Fear attacks our trust in God. Fear seeks to convince us that God is not in control. It tries to persuade us that there is some unknown over which God has no jurisdiction. Here is the key question: If Jesus Christ is Lord, what have I to fear?

            In the deepest part of the fear that was attacking me, the Holy Spirit reminded me of these things: “Your fear is unnecessary in a universe where God is in control. The ‘unknown’ things you are worrying about are not unknown to God. Where is your faith? Do you really think that anything can happen apart from the Father’s will or away from His oversight?” This “conversation” I had in prayer was a critical turning point. There was so much comfort and encouragement in the Scripture – where so often the message from God is “Fear not, for I…”. And I realized, “That’s all I need to know.”

            This experience was important for me, because I am a preacher of the Word of God. Either the words are real – with real power – or I am a hypocrite – telling others things like “Don’t be afraid!” when I myself have not been changed and guided by those words myself. I’m very thankful for the reassuring ministry of the Holy Spirit in the middle of that dark place. When He applies the Word of God to our lives, it is powerful.

            While we may need courage in the days ahead, I pray most of all that God would give us faith, because that is the true answer to any fear – large or small – which may attack.

Psalm 23:4 (NIV) ⁴  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

John 14:27 (NIV) ²⁷  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Deuteronomy 31:6-8 (KJV) ⁶  Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. ⁷  And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. ⁸  And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Mark 4:35-41 (NIV) ³⁵  That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side."
³⁶  Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. ³⁷  A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.
³⁸  Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" ³⁹  He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. ⁴⁰  He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" ⁴¹  They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV) ³  When I am afraid, I will trust in you. ⁴  In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?

PRAYER:  Father, when I am afraid, lead me to trust in you. Increase my faith. Point me to your eternal Word where I can find assurance and confidence that you rule and reign, and that not even the smallest detail escapes your jurisdiction and oversight. Let me rest in you and may I not give fear a foothold. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!  

Scott
  

Just Words?

           Sooner or later every Christian faces circumstances which call out the question, “Is what you believe just words… or is it real?” During the smooth times… the easy, trouble-free times… matters of faith seem to come a little easier. But when confronted by the crucible of grief, fear, and uncertainty, where does our faith go? The tests of life will “prove” us, like fire refines metal. When we started our study of James on Thursday nights, James “clobbered” us with these words… “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)

            My first reaction to the trial of my faith is… “I don’t want this! I don’t want to have to deal with this now. I want to run away and hide from it. I don’t think I can take it.” My first reaction is fear, not joy. I can easily get caught up rehearsing over and over again in my mind every possible bad thing that can/might happen. This kind of fear can be paralyzing. And when you’re in the middle of it, you may ask… “Is what I believe just words, or is it real?”

            I thank the Lord that His Word is alive and powerful, and “sharp” enough to pierce and reach the deepest part of my need… that His Word is not “just” words, and they have power: power that I need. Here are a few Scriptures that are helpful to me. On the one hand they look like just words. But these are God’s words, a gift and encouragement to us from the Holy Spirit. They remind me of the reality of God’s love, grace, and mercy, and I can – and will – trust Him. He is my help and my salvation. May the Lord be your rock and fortress today, and may He lead you through to joy in your time of need.

Psalm 27:1 (NIV) ¹ The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 46:1-5 (NIV) ¹ God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. ²  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, ³  though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah ⁴  There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. ⁵  God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.

Psalm 46:10 (NIV) ¹⁰  "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 30:5 (KJV) ⁵  For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV) ³  When I am afraid, I will trust in you. ⁴  In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV) ⁸  The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Isaiah 26:3 (KJV) ³  Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) ²⁸  "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

PRAYER:  Father, I thank you that knowing you is about so much more than mere words. You stand behind every one of them. They have power and reality because of you. Please give your grace to all who need it today, and, in your time, bring them through to joy. Thank you that your everlasting arms are underneath me, strong enough to bear me through what I face today or what I may face tomorrow. I love you and I need you. Bless all who are in need today. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!  

Scott

Who Is This?

           Yesterday I was trying to help Joanne create a Facebook page, but was having a bit of difficulty. Basically in the sign-up process Facebook was telling me that Joanne Records was not a person (not a real name), and that I should create an account for a business. I don’t remember this happening when I signed up. We have to prove that Joanne is Joanne – a person and not a business. Maybe I’m doing something wrong, but if so, I haven’t figured it out yet. Many years ago when we lived in New York State we received a phone call the day before Christmas one year. A man whose voice sounded like it was urgent asked if we were “open” – he needed to get a last minute Christmas present. Remember, this was back in the days when music was recorded onto vinyl record albums and sold in stores throughout the land. If you haven’t “gotten” it yet, the man mistakenly thought we were a record store named “Scott Records”. More recently, when I signed up for Facebook, I found a group that calls itself “Records really is my last name”. It never seemed all that obscure to me. But I have to find a way to prove that Joanne is, indeed, a person, although I’m pretty sure she already knows she is.

            One evening, after a long day of teaching and performing miracles, Jesus purposed to get into a boat with His disciples and get across the lake and find some peace and quiet. So much did He need it that Jesus fell asleep in the stern. Then a storm came up quickly – as it can on Galilee – and the disciples began to be afraid – to even fear for their lives. It must have been pretty bad weather, considering that at least some of them were seasoned fishermen. In their fear they woke Jesus and questioned whether He cared that they might die in the storm. What a question to ask Jesus, huh? – “Don’t you care…?” Fear leads us to say and do some pretty stupid things. Have you ever been tempted to question whether the Lord cares? We know it’s something we shouldn’t do, yet we can fall into just like the disciples.

            Jesus responds to them by standing and speaking to the storm. His authority was sufficient to cause the roiling elements to be at rest immediately. Then He wonders as to where there faith was in the face of fearful circumstances. Their response shows a new and different kind of fear – the kind someone feels in the direct presence of the holy and awesome God. And they ask, “Who is this? Even the wind and waves obey Him?” They were realizing that Jesus was much more than a mere man. The only logical answer to their question is: “Jesus Christ, the Son of God… the God-Man”. Could anyone less than that do what Jesus did? It was no parlor trick. The wind and the waves certainly knew who He was. They had no trouble hearing and obeying. Certainly that was a kind of proof as to the identity of Jesus. The answer to the question “Who is this?” was obvious.

            We do not have the advantage and opportunity to see Jesus at work face to face. But the Scriptures – and Jesus Himself – say we are blessed for our faith even when we have not seen. Praise God for this blessing.

John 1:10-13 (KJV) ¹⁰  He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. ¹¹  He came unto his own, and his own received him not. ¹²  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: ¹³  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

John 20:27-31 (NIV) ²⁷  Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." ²⁸  Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" ²⁹  Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." ³⁰  Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. ³¹  But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Matthew 16:15-16 (NIV) ¹⁵  "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" ¹⁶  Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

PRAYER:  Father, I say that your son – Jesus Christ – is Messiah and Lord, Master and Savior. Increase my faith and let this truth sink deeply into the fiber of my being, so that in all of life my response to you will be one of trust and confidence. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!  

Scott

Taking Inventory

           What’s on your list of wonders?

            I was asked this question yesterday and it caused me to stop and think, “My what? I don’t know that I really have a list of wonders.” And I don’t. At least not on paper anywhere that I know of. But actually I do. I think every Christian has one. I just haven’t taken time to “take inventory”. As a teenager I worked in a grocery store about the size of the Trenton Marketplace. At least once a year every employee had to show up to help with inventory. This involved “counting” every item in the store: from the shelves to everything in the stockroom. An inventory is “a detailed list of articles, goods, property, etc.” which helps the store owner to understand the value of what he has at any given time.

            Have you ever taken inventory of God’s wonders? This involves taking some time to make a list of the wondrous things in God’s world that you have personally observed. It also includes thinking about the wondrous things God has done for you in your own life. David took inventory of God’s wonders in Psalm 8: “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth… When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place…” In 1885, Carl Boberg paraphrased these words into his hymn, O Store Gud (Our Great God), now known to us as How Great Thou Art. His lyrics include the phrase… “when I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds Thy hands have made…”

            To “consider” is to stop and take inventory.  It means to reflect on, contemplate, or ponder. What’s on your list of wonders? Don’t have one? Haven’t thought much about it? It’s not because the wonders aren’t there. You just need to take a little time to compose it. Doing this from time to time is a very healthy spiritual discipline. It grounds us. It brings God’s greatness and glory back into focus and re-orients our attitude of thanksgiving to its proper place.

            How do you take inventory of God’s wonders? You can write a list on a piece of paper. You can take turns speaking them around the family dinner table. You can take and save photos of them on your phone or computer. You can meditate on them in a season of prayer. You can play a game with your kids (“Let’s go through the alphabet thinking of words that describe God’s wonders A to Z…”). You can make list of blessings (one for each of the last __ years, months, weeks, days, etc.) God has given you by His grace. You can… be quite creative and come up with other ways. I am going to try to remember to add a page on our church website that we can call “Our List of Wonders” and anyone (especially our own church folks) can submit additions to the list any time. I envision the list will just keep growing and growing, and become a source of encouragement, inspiration, and worship for anyone who checks it out.

            One thing these ideas have in common is that they involve taking some time. Taking inventory – making a list – of wonders takes time. A busy life too often keeps us from making or revisiting such a list as often as we could. But if we are on the lookout, God will easily add new wonders of who He is and what He is doing to our lists (our lives) every day. The hymn, Count Your Blessings, by Johnson Oatman, was first published in 1897. The well-known words call out to us to… “Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.” Surprise may be one response. But I believe worship is one of the main things a list like this will elicit in our lives. And it is never out of place to worship God, for He is worthy.

            What’s on your list of wonders? Don’t have one? All it takes is one thing to start the list. You will be amazed at how quickly it will grow.
 

Psalm 40:5 (NIV) ⁵  Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.

Psalm 40:5 (NLT) ⁵  O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.

Psalm 66:16 (NIV) ¹⁶  Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV) ²⁰  Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

PRAYER:  Father, lead me to encounter and appreciate the many wonders you have performed. Lead me away from a shallow life, lived in ignorance of all that you are and all you have done. What a tragedy it would be for me to miss these things. Open up my heart to fully enjoy these things, and to love you all the more for them. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!  

Scott

Little Things

            On our drive home from South Carolina last week, we listened to Bill O’Reilly’s Killing Lincoln. I learned some things I did not know about the events surrounding President Lincoln’s assassination in 1865. History is full of mysteries, and there are many things unknown to us… things that we will likely never know. I asked Joanne… “I wonder if the Lord will bother to let us know the answers to all the questions surrounding historical lives and events or if, in His presence, we will care nothing about the things that are behind us?”

            One of the things that struck me about the circumstances around Lincoln’s death is how just minor things – going/happening a different way – would have made a great impact. For example, President and Mrs. Lincoln could have chosen a different play to attend in a different theater (he deferred to her preference). This would have made things more difficult for Booth and protected the President better. “If only” the President’s bodyguard had been at his station, history may have been very different. Instead he was having a drink in a nearby saloon. Many of these things are always clearer in hindsight than in foresight. All the assumptions made come into question and under critical scrutiny.

            It is another reminder to us that small things mean a lot. The encounters and conversations of each day are much more than mundane exercises in social intercourse. Words and attitudes can change lives – for good or for ill. That’s a helpful reminder to me, because so often my life revolves around an invisible “bubble” of self-interest and awareness. I am not always thinking about the impact of my words and actions on the people around me. They can build up and be helpful, or they can tear down and be hurtful. Someone’s life can actually be changed. This can happen in spite of me (because I don’t realize the impact) or because of me (when I’m being intentional). At the other end of the spectrum is an attitude and approach that lets me think I can control everything by doing and saying the right things at the right time in the right way. This kind of thinking will just drive you crazy, though, because – as good as your intentions may be – your words and actions can never control everything to a good and happy end or result. There will always be many things beyond our control.

            My thought in this devotional is to be reminded that my words and actions – even when they are small – might make a significant difference in another person’s life and well-being. Therefore, it behooves me to pay attention a little more carefully to what I say and do so that it may positively impact people’s lives and circumstances. There’s an old saying, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” But I also think we should use caution not to overlook the “small stuff”. We have the opportunity to introduce Christ’s love into conversations and social interactions. May the Lord use what we say and do for His glory. All of it.

Colossians 4:6 (NIV) ⁶  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) ²⁹  Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

PRAYER:  Father, guard my lips and my actions. Let them build others up, and thus make a difference for eternity. Help me to be faithful in small things. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!  

Scott

Delighting in Grace

            Recently I had to have a small health issue taken care of. I was hesitant because I didn’t want to spend the money but it was something I didn’t feel I could overlook. I joke with people that one of the best ways to feel better is to make an appointment, because by the time I see a doctor my symptoms have usually disappeared. So I am a little slow to make appointments. Anyway, I followed through on this one had it looked at. Fortunately, no serious problem was found and I was advised to be careful in the future. When I went to the front desk to pay, my provider said, “No charge!”

            I said, “What… no charge… Are you sure?” The answer came back, “Yes, definitely sure.” I was a little speechless and stammered out, “Well,… why is that?”… to which the response came back, “Because you’re special.” Now, I know better than that. This was an uncalled for, unasked for, unlooked for, undeserved gift that caught me off guard and surprised me. This same thing has happened to me several times in the years I have lived in Bar Harbor – from other providers. The other people around me must have wondered, “Why does he get the special treatment?

            This was a vivid display of grace. It’s similar to the way God’s grace works… unlooked for, unasked for, and undeserved favor given by God… just because He wants to and because it brings Him delight to do so.

            It was easy for me to delight in the words, “No charge… it’s free today!”, in that office. And I couldn’t wait to tell people: first Joanne and then just about anyone else I could find. I wanted to let them know about this great experience I had had earlier in the day. And being able to tell about it increased my delight in it.

            I’ve asked myself since that day, “Shouldn’t you have at least the same kind of delight in God’s grace to you in His Son?” And, “Do you have the same intense desire to tell people about God’s grace to you that you had to tell about the blessing of that day?” Those are really good questions for all of us who have received grace from the Lord. I think it is meant to be delighted in and described with joy to others. After all, how much more has the grace of God worked in my life as my sin debt has been paid in full by Jesus on the cross? Way more than I can even begin to describe! I begin to understand Paul’s exclamation, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”

            May His grace be your greatest delight! Amen!

2 Corinthians 9:14-15 (NIV) ¹⁴  And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. ¹⁵  Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Ephesians 1:4-8 (NIV) ⁴  For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love ⁵  he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- ⁶  to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. ⁷  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace ⁸  that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

Ephesians 2:4-8 (NIV) ⁴  But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵  made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. ⁶  And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, ⁷  in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. ⁸  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--

PRAYER:  Father, thank you for your amazing and wonderful grace to me in Jesus, your Son. Thank you that he paid the debt on the cross that I could not pay, and gave me the free gift of eternal life through his death. Lead me to delight in such grace, that its joys will be freely expressed from my lips. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!  

Scott

Attitude Check

           I noticed yesterday that Mickey Rooney died on Sunday at the age of 93. As a kid he was one of my favorite movie stars. The characters he played were often fully of energy and usually had an attitude. My favorite two characters were Whitey Marsh, the tough kid in Boys Town and Mi Taylor, the reluctantly supportive trainer in National Velvet.

            To say someone (real or fictitious) has an “attitude” usually suggests s/he is walking around with a chip on the shoulder daring others to knock it off, or something along those lines. It’s as if the person is pushing for an argument or some kind of conflict. Has anyone ever said “s/he’s got an attitude” about you? Usually if we have an attitude we are trying to communicate it. We want people to know we’re angry or annoyed or impatient. Kids want their parents to know when they’re unhappy, so they “cop an attitude” that shows in their body language and in their tone of voice. Many of us who have been parents have had the phrase “Don’t give me that attitude, young man (or young woman)” on our lips more than once.

            This week I have decided to spend some time thinking on the state of my attitude. I once observed a mission team leader use a phrase regularly with the teenage members of the team who were in the midst of a tour. Extended travel time together for any group of young people can be stressful, and every now and then he would call out loudly, “Attitude Check!” It would serve as a reminder to team members to remember their commitment to the Lord, to one another, and to the mission. In doing so, the call to serve like Christ would be brought to mind and serve as an encouragement to adjust any attitudes that were not in line with Christ.

            Our attitude is a powerful force in our lives. The World English Dictionary describes attitude in this way: “the way a person views something or tends to behave towards it, often in an evaluative way”. Another definition is: “manner, disposition, feeling, position, etc., with regard to a person or thing; tendency or orientation, especially of the mind”. Both of these definitions are describing a thing that I have control over. In other words, my attitude is always subject to my will. Though outside factors may influence it, the state of my attitude in any given situation is fully under my control. One of the external factors which seek to impact my attitude the most is other people: how they act, how they speak, what their own attitudes are, etc. But I can never blame another person for my attitude. My attitude is my own, and it is subject to my will. If I want it to be positive, encouraging, and constructive, it will be. If I want it to be negative, critical, and destructive, it will be. I choose what my attitude will be.

            Throughout this week, as I think on the state of my attitude, I aim to meditate on Philippians 2, verse 5: “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”. Throughout each waking hour… thinking about that call the Holy Spirit gave through Paul… realizing that only the presence of the Holy Spirit can show me that attitude of Jesus and shape me to it. In the car… my attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. With my family… on my job… with my brothers and sisters in Christ… with my neighbors… toward the politicians who serve me… in all these things, what will it take for my attitude to be the same as Jesus’? I must surrender my attitude to His kingship: no ifs, ands, or buts. I must let it go, so that Christ’s attitude is on display in me.

            In the verses before and after verse 5 Paul reminds me about some of the characteristics of the attitude of Jesus: tenderness and compassion (v.1), no selfish ambition or vain conceit (v.3), humility (v.3), considering others better than myself (v.3), looking to (caring about) the interests of others (v.4), taking the nature of a servant (v.7), full obedience to the Father (v.8). In the scope of the New Testament we can find many more. So each day there will be good times and opportunities for me to conduct an attitude check in answer to the question: “Is my attitude the same as that of Christ Jesus?” Doing this prayerfully will, no doubt, have a transforming impact in me as the Holy Spirit “forms” Christ in me.

            If you would like to join me, I encourage you to write out Philippians 2:5 on a small card, carry it with you and take it out often, so that you might end up memorizing it. In doing so, it will become part of God’s Word hidden in our hearts, helping us to avoid sinning against God.

Philippians 2:1-8 (NIV) ¹  If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ²  then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. ³  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. ⁵  Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: ⁶  Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, ⁷  but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. ⁸  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!

Psalm 119:9-11 (NIV) ⁹  How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. ¹⁰  I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. ¹¹  I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

PRAYER:  Father, lead me to be a “doer of Your Word” with regard to Philippians 2:5, that I might consciously, intentionally, and obediently conform my attitude to the truly and fully humble attitude of your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name I pray, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!  

Scott