Philippians 2 speaks to me: being poured out and laying down my life for others — not just unknown others like in some form of ministry, but others who are right under my nose.
It’s easy to imagine going or actually going on a mission trip or to some ministry or to church and serving others. That’s so concrete and obvious. But what about those closest to me? What about at home? What about my family?
Seriously, why are we so eager to help at church, or if someone calls with a need, we’ll jump right in if at all possible. But with each other at home? We constantly keep score.
“It’s not mine,” when asked to pick something up, or wash an extra dish. “That’s not my job,” when there’s a chore that needs to be done.
“Just do it,” I want to say – and sometimes do. But I’m the one who divided up the chores. I’m the one who said if you cook something, clean up the extra dishes; don’t leave them for the dish-doer.
I think in general, that’s good. Clean up after yourself and do your chores.
But what about when things get missed? Or someone ran out of time, or got distracted, or just doesn’t see it?
I wash coffee cups at church cheerfully and without complaint — and I never drink coffee. What’s wrong with me at home?
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of other.
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who…emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men,…He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death….. (Philippians 2:3-5, 7, 8)
Jesus became like us and laid down His life. He emptied Himself, He humbled Himself, and He became obedient…to the point of death.
Can I become like those around me? Can I walk in their shoes? Can I help them the way they need it and not just the way I want to?
Can I become like the lowest and lay my life and current wants down?
Can I regard everyone in my family as more important than me (v. 3)?
Is Jesus concerned with my getting things done that I deem important, or is He more concerned with my character?
What if my garden is a mess, but my family is blessed? What if I miss out on the fun stuff, but my family is blessed?
And here’s a kicker: What if I live like this — laying down my life — and do it all without grumbling, complaining, or disputing (Philippians 2:14)?
What if I live holding fast to the word of life — holding fast to Jesus?
Oh God, You’ve spoken to me. And now I’m accountable, and that’s a scary thought. Bless Your Name, Jesus, and keep me faithful. Amen.
