Now, let’s get back to God with this week’s devotional. Read Philippians 2: 5-11. This famous hymn from the second chapter of Philippians offers various possibilities for reflecting on our Christian baptismal calling as disciples of Jesus Christ. It challenges us to mirror Christ’s ministry in our own lives, or in the words of the Apostle Paul, to “adopt the attitude that was in Jesus Christ” (v.5).

What was that attitude?

First, “Though he was in the form of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit” (v.6). The church often has a tendency to elevate the man of Christ to the rank of God, which Christ did not do himself. Instead, Christ reminds us throughout the Gospels that He came not as a substitute for God but instead came to fulfill the mission of God.

Second, in fulfilling the mission, Christ “emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings” (v.7). It is only when we empty ourselves by letting go of our egos, arrogance, and pride, and display a willingness to perform menial tasks for the well-being of others, truly filled with the spirit of humility, that we can make a difference in this world as witnesses of Christ.

Third, “and he became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (V.8). This reminds us that the size of our wealth and possessions, the diplomas we hang on the wall, or our popularity will not define our ministry and mission, but our willingness to exchange our crown for a cross will.

Finally, at the end, it was Christ’s faithfulness to his calling that led him to be “highly honored” by God (v.9). St. (Mother) Teresa articulated it best when she said that Christian ministry is not about success but faithfulness. Let us hold tightly to our faith during these challenging times and remember that we are never alone.

In His Service,