Be Loved, Beloved.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider being equal with God a treasure to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, becoming in the likeness of men, and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, and that the death of a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8

Be like Jesus. That’s pretty simple, right?

It sure sounds simple- it’s only three words. Paul certainly makes it sound painless. “Let this mind be in you.” To “let” something be doesn’t sound all that complicated.

Yet it is, isn’t it?

But why? I keep asking myself this question. Why is walking in humility as Jesus did so difficult? Why was Jesus able to lay down everything in obedience? Why are we so incapable of doing the same, living in pride rather than humility?

Maybe I’m a bit misguided, but I think pride and false humility are huge stumbling blocks in the lives of American Christians. We can’t seem to get over it. Either we’re fighting to prove our abilities and why we’re better than everyone else (pride), or we’re convinced we don’t matter one bit and everyone else deserves to be treated better than we are (false humility). The American church is experiencing an epidemic of over-inflated or severely under-inflated egos.

In this area, we often don’t look much different than the world.

Yet here we see Jesus, the One we desire to resemble, who is God. He is all-powerful. He is all-knowing. He is infinite, complex, and grandiose. He is mighty in every way, and He willingly lays it all down to become a man. In obedience to the Father, He lays down His very nature. How quick are we to do the same?

How quickly will we remain quiet even if we have the answer? How often will we let another complete a task we could do better? How willingly will we serve those we believe should be serving us? When do we lay down what is natural for us- strategy, intelligence, work, creativity, speech, etc. - and allow the spotlight to be given to another? If anything, we look for opportunities to show others we are these things.

Jesus didn’t do that.

Once again I ask myself, “Why not?” What did Jesus have that we didn’t? What did He know that we don’t? Maybe it’s just me, but I’m not satisfied by answering, “Well, He’s God. That’s why.” No, no. I can’t accept that’s why.

So, you want to know what I think? I think Jesus knew something we don’t. Scratch that. I know Jesus knew something we don’t.

Jesus knew who He was; He was confident in who He was to the One who mattered most.

Jesus didn’t have to fight for His identity- He was secure in it already. He didn’t have to be the one on center stage to assure Himself that He was capable or valuable. Jesus didn’t have anything to prove, and I believe it was from this foundation He was able to lay Himself down. I am convinced we could live in the same way if we only knew who we are.

I believe when we know who we are and what we are worth, we are free to humbly empty ourselves rather than scrap for identity and value. When we live from a place of knowing our true worth, we are able to serve because we know it doesn’t mean we are less worthy; it just means the one we serve also has value.  In this place we are able to shine the spotlight on others because we know it doesn’t mean we don’t have talents; we are free to acknowledge the gifts of others. In this place we are eager to lay ourselves down so another may stand; we can know we are capable, yet give others room to soar.

When we know who we are we live differently, and I believe this was one of Jesus’ secrets in humility.

So how do we become humble people? We learn, recognize, and accept that we are beloved children of God. We are unique. We are a masterpiece. We are cherished. Not only this, but we are important. We are delightful to our Father. We are loved.

If we can live in this place, I truly believe we can begin to walk in humility. Not only because we will no longer have anything to prove for ourselves, but because we will begin to see others as the beloved, and it will feel like a pleasure to serve those whom God so dearly loves.

Live in this place, beloved. This is who you are.

“For through Him we both have access through one spirit unto the Father. Therefore we are no longer strangers and sojourners but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” Ephesians 2:18-19

“You have not received a spirit of slavery bringing you into fear once again, but you have received a spirit of sonship in which we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself witnesses to our spirit that we are children of God. And if children, heirs also. On the one hand, heirs of God. On the other hand, heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him that we may also be glorified with Him.” Romans 8:15-17

“As my Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.” John 15:9

 “For it was You who formed my inward parts; You wove me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; You works are wonderful, and my soul knows it well.” Psalm 139:13-14

“He has predestined us unto sonship through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” Ephesians 1:5

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! That is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God …” 1 John 3:1-2a