Philippians 2:5-8, Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a servant, bbeing born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
This mind—this attitude—we are to share with Jesus is one of humility and even obedience to God to the point of death. In Christ, God walked among us, yet Christ did not lord it over us. As God, Jesus in this highest of estates did not consider it a possibility to sit over us and give us commands to serve Him. Instead, He served us (Mark 10:45); He walked with us, dined with us, cried with us served us, died for us, and rose for us. Christ chose not to live as a rich king among us, but rather as a lowly servant, even to the point of death for you and me.
This attitude of Christ’s is one we are to share with one another. Are you in a high position? Good for you; serve your neighbour. In the Army, the NCOs and officers did not eat first; they let us lower enlisted personnel get our food first. If you desire respect for your high position, you will receive it by walking with and serving your people, not lording your authority over them. There is a time and place to show authority, such as Jesus did when He flipped the tables and calmed the storm. A parent does not allow their authority to be undermined, but at the same time loves and serves their children. Yet a leader who is like Christ leads first and foremost by humbling oneself to the point of a servant, even to die for Christ’s sake.
Bibliography
©Featured image by Del Parson, Jesus Washing the Feet of the Apostles, 1983.
The Lutheran Column 