The Christ-Centered Life 3

Philippians 2:3-7 (GNB) Don't do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves... The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had: He always had the nature of God, but he did not think that by force he should try to remain equal with God. Instead ... of his own free will he gave up all he had, and took the nature of a servant...and appeared in human likeness. One major effect that genuinely having a Christ-centered life will have on us is that we will begin to have the same desire and attitude that Christ has to please God and reach out to others. Think about it. How would the church and the world at large be different if every believer had the genuine interest of others and willingness to sacrifice and do God's will in the same way Jesus does? Unlike all the unnecessary divisions and distractions that come from trying to protect “our reputations,” our lives would be so much more peaceful and useful to God as we lose our selfish ambitions and take on Christ's passion and vision. Also, as we make our utmost joy and pursuit about doing God's will, serving others and bringing glory to Christ, our will becomes aligned with His. In the King James Version of the Bible, verse 7 of our text above notes that Jesus made Himself of no reputation and took upon Himself the form of a servant in order to became a man like us. In the New International Version, this verse says, Jesus “made Himself nothing.” In Philippians Chapter 2, Apostle Paul also said some very amazing things about Timothy and Epaphroditus. Regarding Timothy he said, “I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel,” Php.2:20-22 (NIV). About Epaphroditus He said, “welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me, Php. 2:29-30 (NIV). O what a testimony! I pray that people will have such testimonies to share about your life and my life also. PRAYER: Use me, dear Lord, to love others, to humbly serve them and to do your will just like Christ. Take all the glory, Lord.