paul here in the second chapter of philippians is giving us some very simple but highly practical advice in dealing with conflict in our relationships. and in verse 5 (ms) he brings it all together with think of yourselves the way CHRIST JESUS thought of HIMself.
here it is, we need to become like CHRIST. HE is the real master of relationships and we need a relationship with the MASTER.
JESUS is our model and great example. if you want to know how to get along with people, even those who are hard to get along with, look at JESUS. think of yourselves the way CHRIST JESUS thought of HIMself. the niv says, your attitude should be the same as that of CHRIST JESUS. the way you think of yourself and your attitude.
now verse 6 (ms) tells us that HE had equal status with GOD but didn't think so much of HIMself that HE had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what.
in other words HE didn't demand his rights.
nowhere in the bible when you read about JESUS do you find HIM going around jerusalem demanding HIS rights. do you know who I am? that wasn’t anything HE ever did. even when HE was being hung on a cross, HE never demanded his rights.
listen, the person who yields his rights to GOD, gets GOD as defender of his rights. who do you want defending you, yourself or GOD? who can do a better job of it? HE didn't defend his rights but HE willingly gave them up.
just a thought from the front porch...
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