Sunday, June 9, 2013

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

***

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!

Photobucket

11 comments:

Amy Burzese said...

Beautiful. I need this. Thank you.

MadSnapper said...

i read this, i saved it in my feedly saved, to read again.. the first verse i have memorized because it is step 12 of the 12 step Overcomers that i was a part of for 3 years... the last verse is the one i need to work on the most.
Do all things without grumbling or disputing

i find myself grumbling and growling over silly things. even dropping something on the floor...and the part i cam coming back to read again is the last part about getting annoyed with people. i know in my heart the Bible says it is easy to love the lovely, but we are supposed to love the unlovely, the ones we don't want to love... oh nooooo

Anonymous said...

A beautiful post and very thought provoking.

Susie said...

Some days it's seems so easy to be who God wants us to be...other times it's a struggle. Yes, I struggle at times. I pray to be better. I wish everyone peace and happiness.xoxo,Susie

Chatty Crone said...

Gosh that really hit home today. Thanks for humbling me. sandie

Unknown said...

God did make us in His own image, but it sure is hard to be what He is or wants us to be. We however, need to strive daily to do just that. When we fall, He is there to pick us back up and set our feet straight on the right path. Very good post and applied to all of us.

Terri D said...

You are right, Judy. It is so hard to 'measure up' to what we should be in His eyes. I do think, though, that He recognizes when we try, He forgives us when we fall short, and He loves us anyway. I'm so thankful, every day, for His mercy and grace. Good post.

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

Thank you Judy! I needed to be reminded of this.
Have a wonderful Sunday!

Trace4J said...

Wonderful post friend.
Truly perfect.
Woolie Blessings

Yenta Mary said...

Even before I read the post - and we all need to make a better effort to bring holiness into our lives, from gratitude for small things that go well to really striving to see the divine in others - the photos were a reminder of the amazing beauty and bounty we also tend to take for granted. What a lovely reminder, in so many ways, to really live in every moment and to strive for better ....

Denise said...

So glad you shared.

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