Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. (Phil. 2:5-7)

Hearts open to the message of Scripture soon recognize that God never commends nor commands selfishness. Instead, he uses the example of his Son’s willingness to empty himself of heaven’s glory to serve our needs as a way of calling us to serve others’ needs sacrificially.

That can sound like a dreary calling and a sad life until we remember that Jesus also said, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Mt. 10:39).

Living a life with a willingness to serve to others, frees us from the bondage of our self-serving appetites and selfish ambitions. In this new freedom, our lives become more fulfilling, less driven; more purposeful, less self-absorbed; more glorifying to the God we love, less a burden to those we love – and more a delight to live!

Prayer: Lord, as your glory was fulfilled and your joy was made full when you were willing to become a servant to humanity, please help me to find the glory and joy of serving you by serving others.