Greatness is not a thing to be grasped... | Philippians 2:3-18

in #christian-trail5 years ago (edited)

Today I was struck by a thought and when such happens I have learned I need to roll it around for a while, seeking importance for my own personal growth, and today was no exception.

The thought that struck me was this:
"Greatness is not something to be acheived, or earned. It is a freely given gift of grace, which one embraces and allows to work in and through you."

As I considered the thought two things came to mind:

  1. My desire to perform well at a race I was running today.
  2. Phillppians 2:6

He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped...

Do I seek my own glory? Was I today before this race? Perhaps.

All I know is thinking over this verse and thought gave me great comfort because I felt it was for me, from God.

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Philippians 2:3-18 (ESV)

3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,[a] 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,[b] 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,[c] being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Lights in the World

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Footnotes:
Philippians 2:5 Or which was also in Christ Jesus
Philippians 2:6 Or a thing to be held on to for advantage
Philippians 2:7 Or slave (for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface)

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