We are to have a mindset of humble, sacrificial service for others (Phil. 2:5). The example of Jesus Christ is the greatest incentive for us in this regard because His total, voluntary humiliation for the benefit of others (Phil. 2:6-8) was followed by His great exaltation by the Father (Phil. 2:9-11). Jesus as deity is so much better than the angels (Heb. 1:4); however, He became man, made lower than the angels, to experience death (Psa. 8:5; Heb. 2:7-9).

Jesus did not use His divine position and power to assert Himself. He was tempted to take the selfish shortcut to have all the earthly authority and carnal glory of the kingdoms of this world without sacrifice for others (Lk. 4:5-7), but His firm resolve was to serve God (Lk. 4:8) by giving His life as a ransom (Mk. 10:45). He endured the cross, then sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 12:2). He now has all authority in heaven and earth (Mt. 28:18).

In light of the absolute sacrifice of Christ, where then does our self-assertion stand? What of our claims to supremacy over others? They vanish. To Christ belongs the highest glory we can offer. Our knees should bow in submission to His authority (Phil. 2:10); our tongues should confess His Lordship over us (Phil. 2:11). While this submission and confession will come from all on the day we stand before Christ’s judgment seat (Rom. 14:11), Christians offer them voluntarily now in response to His great love for us, “For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” (2 Cor. 5:14, 15).

Let us follow the example of Christ. Jesus taught us to humble ourselves that we may be exalted in due time (Mt. 18:4; 23:12; Lk. 14:11; 18:14). James 4:10 commands, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” The first epistle of Peter is filled with exhortations to submit to those to whom the Lord has delegated authority and surrender to suffering which will come our way as Christians. At the end of these exhortations, Peter sums them up by saying, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” (1 Pet. 5:6). Before I receive the crown of life, I must take up the cross daily by enduring suffering and tribulation (Rev. 2:10; Lk. 9:23).

Lord, help us to learn from you the motivation of love which serves others (Gal. 5:13). While we are here on earth, shape us to be servants like Jesus Christ so that we one day hear those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Mt. 25:21, 23).