Attitudes do not just happen — we choose them. Paul urged Christians to have the same attitude as Jesus: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus …” (Philippians 2:5). Jesus was the Son of God (Mark 1:1). His place was at the right hand of His Father, ruling the universe (Hebrews 1:3). No position could be more glorious. Jesus’ relationship with the Father gave Him the right to this honor.
But Jesus chose not to hold on to this right. Nothing, not even His position in Heaven, was so precious to Him that He could not give it up. His love for His Father compelled Him to make any sacrifice necessary to be obedient to Him (John 8:29; Hebrews 10:9). When the Father required a spotless sacrifice for the redemption of humanity, Jesus did not cling to His rights, nor did He argue that He should not have to suffer for the sins of rebellious creatures (Isaiah 53:7). Instead, He relinquished the glory of His heavenly existence in order to become a man. He was born in a manger. His life was spent preparing for the day when He would suffer an excruciating execution. All of this He did willingly.
We are tempted to hold tightly to what God has given us. We say, “I would be willing to give up anything God asked of me, but I just don’t think He would ask me!” The Father asked His Son to make radical adjustments in His eternal existence (John 17:5), and Christ advanced the notion that we will have to give up everything if necessary to be a citizen in His kingdom (Matthew 16:24-28). You have to be willing to show that you love what is dear to you a lot less than you love Christ (Matthew 10:32-39).
If you find yourself resisting every time God tells you to adjust your life to His will, like Stephen condemned the Jews of doing (Acts 7:51-53), repent and display the same selfless attitude that Jesus demonstrated.
Kyle Campbell