How to Serve Like Jesus (Philippians 2:5-7)
- Gio Lynch
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ⁶who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. —Philippians 2:5-7
Having “this mind,” one that puts others before yourself and counts your needs lower than others, is only possible in Jesus. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are being transformed step-by-step into Christ’s image toward the final goal of conformity to Him (2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 8:29). We get a glimpse of what holy living should look like in our lives by examining Christ’s self-sacrificial love.
Christ has always been God (John 1:1), the creator, sustainer, and ruler of all (Colossians 1:15-17). He is God Almighty, preeminent—rightly worshipped, honored, and glorified. He knew and understood His position. We also have God-given authority in our various roles and responsibilities—we are parents, supervisors, students, and more. But our primary identity is as those who are “in Christ.” Jesus taught His disciples to rejoice not so much in their accomplishments but that their names were written in heaven (Luke 10:20). The Holy Spirit brings peace and confidence as He reminds us that being in Christ is more important than any other position we may hold.
Though Christ knew His position and the honor He was due, He did not “grasp it tightly,” choosing instead to become the God-Man for the sake of saving His people. In our various roles, it can be challenging to separate who we are from what we do—and what we think we are due. Holding tightly to what we think we are owed can look like seeking to be respected or acknowledged for our talents, ideas, or position—and responding with frustration or irritation when we don’t receive it. It can be an inner desire to exercise our rights and not yield to another person or even listen to another point of view. It can be something as simple as refusing to give way in the grocery store or while driving in traffic, or demanding the last word. God’s sanctifying work in us reorients our need for recognition, reward, and respect, helping us instead to do all for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Christ “emptied Himself” to live as the God-Man in order to become the Servant of His people. Jesus didn’t set aside His glory because it was of no worth to Him; rather, the glory of what He did comes from the incredible value of what he gave up. As the indwelling Spirit of Christ impresses on you the call to set aside things of great value to you, ask Him for the wisdom and strength to do it. We're called to lay aside our “rights” but never our unshakeable position in Christ. For love of God and neighbor, we “empty ourselves” daily by praying for the salvation of those who do not treat us well, cooking meals to provide for those in our homes, promoting the good ideas offered by another, and serving wherever we see a need that we can meet.
As God’s sanctifying work in us shows us ways we are tempted to make our own position preeminent, we can seek the Spirit’s power through His Word and prayer to learn to think and act like Christ and to continue to grow in Christlikeness.
For Reflection
How would you answer the question “Who am I?” What is your most significant role or position? Why?
In what ways may God be calling you to set aside your rights? How can you seek the Holy Spirit’s aid?
Ask God to show you where and how He might be calling you to serve. Ask for His grace and power to serve for others’ good and God’s glory.
Gio Lynch is a Brooklyn, NY native who serves Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. as Children's Ministry Administrator. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, camping and 18th century English country dancing.