Today’s Reading
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” (Galatians 5:1 NIV)

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ.” (Philippians 2:5 NIV)

Imitating Christ is one of our highest callings as believers. I know in my life, I am in a constant pursuit to be more Christ-like in my marriage, my practice, and my interactions with others in the community. As you read further in Philippians, it says that Christ while “being in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped, but made himself nothing.” (Philippians 2:6-7 NIV) Jesus was obedient to humble himself lowly enough to be human even though he was God. What a stark contrast from what we know happened in Genesis 3 with the fall of man in the Garden of Eden where man wanted to exalt himself.

In the Garden, the serpent manipulated and deceived Eve into believing that being equal to God was something to be grasped, while disobeying the divine pronouncement to not eat from that tree. Adam and Eve’s sin brought the wave of brokenness and separation from God for all people. “Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.” (Romans 5:18 NIV) Because of what Christ did for us, we are thus set free from condemnation and can now walk in a divine relationship with our Abba, Father.

As believers and followers of Jesus Christ we now have this freedom to be more like him. We have freedom to be Christ-like. As Christ obeyed his Father, we now have the freedom to adopt an attitude like Jesus. An attitude of humility and not selfish-ambition. An attitude of love and service, and not hate.

Reflection
Can you identify times in your Christian walk where you have attempted to model the humility of Christ? How did that make you feel about yourself? How did it impact your relationship with God and others?

In what ways can you be encouraged or reminded to seek out Christ’s attitude daily?

Prayer
Father, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to bridge the gap of my separation from You. Help me to walk in a spirit of humility daily and bless my pursuit of having an attitude that resembles that of Your Son. Amen.