Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Imitation to Christ’s Hospitality

Philippians 2:3-8  

Mathew T Mathew

Epiphany MTC, NY


“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)

Apostle Paul is giving this powerful exhortation to the Philippian Church from his prison cell about the need to follow the example of Jesus Christ. Jesus was fully God & fully man. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God" (John 1:1-2). However, Jesus’ humility is evident in His coming down as a human being, leaving His heavenly comfort. He lived like any other human being – He faced and overcame temptations. He washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:4-5). Finally, in order to save humanity from sin, “he made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross”(V. 7-8). Paul uses Christ’s example to exhort Christ’s followers to be the same way. In his letter to the Romans, Paul says “be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves”.


Can anyone live such a humble life? It is very difficult to follow the example of Jesus Christ but in fact human history is full of Christians who lived sacrificial lives. Mother Teresa stands out as one of the greatest humanitarians of the 20th century. Born in Albania, Mother Teresa joined sisterhood in the Catholic Church, went to Calcutta and dedicated her life to work among the poor and the homeless in the streets of Calcutta. She formed the “Missionaries of Charity” and worked in many other parts of the world but she was known as the “Saint of the Gutter” and for this was awarded the Noble Peace Price in 1979.  


Can we also let the humility and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ inspire us to better the lives of our fellow human beings? Can we follow the example of our Master and do the smallest or most menial tasks to help and serve others?

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, help us to imitate Your humility in our lives by treating others with respect and helping those who are in need. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

“Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.” ~ Mother Teresa

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