In the Theology class I am currently taking, we are learning about the incarnation of Jesus. So far, I have enjoyed the readings that we have done by A.W. Tozer and McClain. I think this is a theology I never thought twice about. Especially after establishing in Theology 1 that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are all one and equal in their divinity. So, Philippians 2:5-11 says, "In your relationship with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death-even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every knee should bow, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in hum the glory of God the Father."
The debate on whether or not Jesus humbled himself to the extent of giving up his divinity to become like us as humans. I like that the question arises to think critically, but I don't think it's necessary to spend to much time on because the rest of scriptures point to Jesus being fully God. And twice within this passage alone it confirms that Jesus was/is equal with God (v.6). With that being confirmed about God, and then following the instruction in verse 5 to have the same mindset as Christ within our relationships, then this example on humbling is to be applied.
When this assignment was first given, I was slightly uneasy about it. I did not want to do something "humbling" just for the sake of an assignment. I asked myself and God what I needed to be emptied of in my life, and nothing came to me right away. But as I reflected on my week and reread the assignment, I found moments where I set my time and money aside for someone that may not be as easy to interact with. For example, when I worked at the coffee shop, it was apart of my job to interact with those in the community that stepped into our building. One guy who has a rough life with addictions, finances, and work would come in often and chat with me. I no longer work at the coffee shop, so it is no longer my "job" to interact with this particular person. I saw him as I was about to pull out of the Safeway parking lot. I was in a hurry, a little overwhelmed with financial stuff at that moment and didn't know how long saying hi would end up being with this guy. He didn't see me, so I could easily have left and not interacted with him.
It must have been the Holy Spirit at work in me in order to be emptied of myself in order to reveal more of Himself to someone in my world. I rolled down my window to say hi, and instantly I can tell this guy was not doing well. By turning off my car, I have him my full attention and found out he had just gotten out of the hospital, and was not doing well. Long story short, I could tell he needed a little bit of cash, and was having a really rough day. We chatted and I helped him out a bit. We talked about some mutual friends that are getting married and decided that I could give him a ride and attend the wedding with the group I am going with. It was a little thing, but initially I wanted to go on with my day and be focused on the stresses that I had myself. I hope God continues to show me how to help those around me, because when I think less of myself there is something that happens in me that I don't know how to explain, and would prefer that over my selfish ways.
I hope to continue to grow in my knowledge of the incarnation of the Holy Spirit. I pray God will continue to push me in ridding myself of the selfish things existing in me. I want to know Him more and worship Him with my life.
The debate on whether or not Jesus humbled himself to the extent of giving up his divinity to become like us as humans. I like that the question arises to think critically, but I don't think it's necessary to spend to much time on because the rest of scriptures point to Jesus being fully God. And twice within this passage alone it confirms that Jesus was/is equal with God (v.6). With that being confirmed about God, and then following the instruction in verse 5 to have the same mindset as Christ within our relationships, then this example on humbling is to be applied.
When this assignment was first given, I was slightly uneasy about it. I did not want to do something "humbling" just for the sake of an assignment. I asked myself and God what I needed to be emptied of in my life, and nothing came to me right away. But as I reflected on my week and reread the assignment, I found moments where I set my time and money aside for someone that may not be as easy to interact with. For example, when I worked at the coffee shop, it was apart of my job to interact with those in the community that stepped into our building. One guy who has a rough life with addictions, finances, and work would come in often and chat with me. I no longer work at the coffee shop, so it is no longer my "job" to interact with this particular person. I saw him as I was about to pull out of the Safeway parking lot. I was in a hurry, a little overwhelmed with financial stuff at that moment and didn't know how long saying hi would end up being with this guy. He didn't see me, so I could easily have left and not interacted with him.
It must have been the Holy Spirit at work in me in order to be emptied of myself in order to reveal more of Himself to someone in my world. I rolled down my window to say hi, and instantly I can tell this guy was not doing well. By turning off my car, I have him my full attention and found out he had just gotten out of the hospital, and was not doing well. Long story short, I could tell he needed a little bit of cash, and was having a really rough day. We chatted and I helped him out a bit. We talked about some mutual friends that are getting married and decided that I could give him a ride and attend the wedding with the group I am going with. It was a little thing, but initially I wanted to go on with my day and be focused on the stresses that I had myself. I hope God continues to show me how to help those around me, because when I think less of myself there is something that happens in me that I don't know how to explain, and would prefer that over my selfish ways.
I hope to continue to grow in my knowledge of the incarnation of the Holy Spirit. I pray God will continue to push me in ridding myself of the selfish things existing in me. I want to know Him more and worship Him with my life.
Way to go Jodi! What an incredibly easy thing to ignore, instead you chose to dive in and allow God to use you in a way no one else could have! I pray the Lord will bless you with many more emptying experiences.
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