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E-Devotion-Attitude

Text: Philippians 2:5-7  Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God,  did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

In Philippians 1:27, Paul addressed our actions. Because we are united with Christ, our conduct should be worthy of the Gospel of Christ. Now in Philippians 2:5, he focuses on our attitude.

Think of a time when your mother or your spouse interrupted your TV viewing to ask for your help cleaning the house. If your help was resentful and begrudging, the experience was negative for both of you. If you helped out with a cheerful spirit, both of you ended up feeling good. (It probably took less time, too.) Our attitude can rob our deeds of their blessings.

Christ’s humble attitude, which did not question His Father’s will, enabled Him to take the servant’s role and be obedient to His Father. We are encouraged to have His humble attitude. It is our union with Christ (2:1) that enables us to have a servant attitude. In Colossians 3:23, Paul gives us more insight on how to develop that attitude: “Whatever you do, work on it with all your heart, as working for the Lord not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Brother Lawrence was a 17th century monk who worked in the monastery kitchen for over 40 years. The most excellent method he found for serving God was doing even the most menial tasks purely for the love of God, without any thought of pleasing men. Whether in the chapel or in the kitchen, he knew it was Christ he served in all that he did.

For Reflection and Prayer:    Practice doing your tasks today for God instead of men.

Lord, often my attitude when asked to serve is resentful. I get overwhelmed with too many tasks and too little time. Please help me to shift my focus so that I can see that I am serving You when I serve others. Fill me with the peace and joy that comes through doing all for You. Amen.