As always, Jesus is God’s example of how we ought to live our lives. In this Sunday’s reading, Philippians 2:5–11, Paul exhorts us to have the same mind in us that was in Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, “emptied” himself, taking the form of a slave and humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death. How can we have the same mind that was in Jesus? How can we “empty” ourselves so that we can draw closer to God? It is through the workings of the Holy Spirit through prayer and meditation on God’s Word that we can do this. We can empty ourselves of our vain desires and the anxieties that are part of our daily routine and reach out to God and embrace the great peace and light that comes from God.
It’s so easy for us to lose our way because we are of two minds. One mind is set on the spiritual side of life; the other is set on the carnal side. This has been our state since the beginning of time with the story of Adam and Eve and the first bite of the forbidden fruit. The “Good versus Evil” battle rages with in us, and we seem hopelessly caught in the middle. If we focus our mind and actions solely on what we need and desire, we lose sight of God. It’s as simple as that. Jesus emptied himself so that he could accomplish what he had come to do…go through the pain and agony of the events of Good Friday to bring salvation to the world. We can empty ourselves so that we can become useful tools in God’s great handiwork.
Gracious God, Help me to empty myself of all that takes me away from you, and draw me close to your heart. Amen.
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