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10 August 2007
Part of a special week of studies focusing on serving God and following his call.
Philippians 2:6-7
Christ himself was like God in everything. But he did not think that being equal with God was something to be used for his own benefit. But he gave up his place with God and made himself nothing.
I made my name as a rugged left back during my footballing days at school - mainly because the best footballers all wanted play up front and score goals, and I was too slow to play in midfield, and too small to be a central defender! But in my dreams it was Cup Final day, and our Captain and top goal scorer came down with a mystery illness, and I had to take his place - with astonishing success!
It would never happen of course. People make sure they claim what is theirs, and make use of every opportunity and privilege that comes their way.
But then there is Jesus - as usual, turning everything upside down. He gave up the unimaginable splendour of heaven to enter the stink of a stable. "I've been waiting longest for this bus, so I will claim the last empty seat." "I've worked hard for this money, and I have every right to spend it on myself." But that isn't the Jesus way. Following Jesus is a call to self-sacrifice, to laying aside your rights, to copying God's excessive generosity to others, to leaving your comfort, and choosing to serve the least and the lost - as the Xplore strap line reminds us.
Jesus, I am attracted to the adventure of following you, but I need help with this idea of self-sacrifice and giving up my rights. Give me bucket loads of your love, because I can't do it on my own. Amen.
Written by Phil Clark, Programme Leader for Xplore - Church Army's new Global Gap Year programme.
Part of a special week of studies focusing on serving God and following his call.
Philippians 2:6-7
Christ himself was like God in everything. But he did not think that being equal with God was something to be used for his own benefit. But he gave up his place with God and made himself nothing.
I made my name as a rugged left back during my footballing days at school - mainly because the best footballers all wanted play up front and score goals, and I was too slow to play in midfield, and too small to be a central defender! But in my dreams it was Cup Final day, and our Captain and top goal scorer came down with a mystery illness, and I had to take his place - with astonishing success!
It would never happen of course. People make sure they claim what is theirs, and make use of every opportunity and privilege that comes their way.
But then there is Jesus - as usual, turning everything upside down. He gave up the unimaginable splendour of heaven to enter the stink of a stable. "I've been waiting longest for this bus, so I will claim the last empty seat." "I've worked hard for this money, and I have every right to spend it on myself." But that isn't the Jesus way. Following Jesus is a call to self-sacrifice, to laying aside your rights, to copying God's excessive generosity to others, to leaving your comfort, and choosing to serve the least and the lost - as the Xplore strap line reminds us.
Jesus, I am attracted to the adventure of following you, but I need help with this idea of self-sacrifice and giving up my rights. Give me bucket loads of your love, because I can't do it on my own. Amen.
Written by Phil Clark, Programme Leader for Xplore - Church Army's new Global Gap Year programme.
