His Example

Asparagus, Lobelia, Salvia

"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 others.

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing; that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life..."    Philippians 2:3-16

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The pond garden

If Christianity were only an easy matter, such as praying a prayer or attending church or what we wear, drink, or eat - then we could just tic off the boxes and sit back and relax. Unfortunately, that's how a lot of people approach it.

But it's not. It's actually a matter of putting our trust in Christ as our only righteousness - and following Him, emulating His example. Every time I think of that, I realize just how far I fall short of that. Daily. Hourly. It's easier to compare ourselves with others, for we can always (usually) find someone who's even worse than we are, but...

What happens when we compare ourselves to Christ? He obeyed God even to the point of death?  I have a hard time just obeying God about not allowing pride and selfishness and resentment to creep into my daily life.

                            
I am reminded of this quotation from John Piper: 'God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.'

Do I make a conscious effort to glorify God in my life? when I'm doing dishes? when I'm gardening, when I'm cleaning up dog vomit, when I am going about my usual mundane tasks?

Or do I get annoyed with people, rather than loving them? or  judgmental, rather than loving them? or prideful, rather than thinking of others instead of myself? Those are not Christ-like attitudes and they should have no place in my life.

This is why I need Him daily. hourly. minute-by-minute.

Jesus is my Lord, my Savior, my Rescuer, my Source, my only Hope.

Have a blessed Lord's Day!