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Philippians 2:4-13, The Christ Hymn

Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today

Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.
— Philippians 2:4-7a

NL Daily Devotion for Saturday, August 31, 2019

by R. Fergus Moir, Clergy Stuff


Jesus is an impossible act to follow. But that’s no excuse for not trying. Paul gives us some tips before launching into a beautiful hymn about just how untouchable Jesus is. It’s simple: put others’ interests before your own. Simple, but not easy. We’re hardwired for survival, and that means putting our own interests first. God calls us to fight our bondage to genetics, to actually go against our animal instincts. I have found that serving others is where joy is to be found, and that in being vulnerable, I allow others to serve me. It takes effort, and we’ll never reach perfection. But we’ve been shown how it’s done.

Gracious God, teach me to serve in the example of Christ. Amen.


 
Earlier Event: August 30
Ephesians 1:15-22, Faith in Jesus
Later Event: September 1
Luke 15:11-32, Sabbath for Community