Think Down
Philippians 2:6–8
"Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
We aren’t accustomed to the downward mobility that brought Christ to the manger and then to the cross. In fact, our thought processes are the very opposite of God’s.
We think “up.” By our human standards, we want more recognition, more achievements, more praise—more us.
But Jesus thought “down.” He chose more humility, more service, more sacrifice.
We tend to think in terms of self-promotion. But Christ thought in terms of self-emptying: “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7).
We think of how we can have more self-gratification. But Christ thought of how He could serve: “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many”(Mark 10:45).
We think of our comfort. But Christ thought of the Father’s will: “I do always those things that please him” (John 8:29).
Our thinking may bring short-term success, but Christ’s sacrifice bought our salvation.
Philippians 2:5 instructs, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” This Christmas, ask the Lord to help you think the way that Jesus thinks.
Growth Principle:
Look for ways to humble yourself and serve others. It will change your life—and transform your Christmas.