Have this attitude in yourselves, which also was in Messiah Yeshua … Philippians 2:5, TLV

Have This Attitude?          What attitude? You see, this is why context is so important. Context gives us balance and helps us walk out the truth in practical ways, without impossible expectations. Walking it out. Trying the best we can, then being grateful for the grace and mercy afforded us when we mess up. So, why do I harp on this?

First, I love YouVersion and its Verse of the Day (it’s what I base many of these daily devotions on). It is a great starting point. However, rarely is the verse(s) within the whole context, which is why I continue to emphasize reading at least the whole chapter.

If I build my understanding only on this verse, I will say that I need to have the attitude of the Messiah Jesus. Period. Not a bad thing, at all. But the natural question is: What is Yeshua’s attitude? I don’t mean in general terms like He is compassionate, holy, a miracle worker, perfect, because honestly, I might give up before trying. Here’s some context:

Who, though existing in the form of God,
did not consider being equal to God a thing to be grasped.
But He emptied Himself—
taking on the form of a slave,
becoming the likeness of men
and being found in appearance as a man.
He humbled Himself—
becoming obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross.
For this reason God highly exalted Him
and gave Him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Yeshua every knee should bow,
in heaven and on the earth and under the earth,
and every tongue profess that Yeshua the Messiah is Lord—
to the glory of God the Father.  (vss. 6-11, TLV)

Jesus existed in the form of a human, but He was God. Yet, He didn’t consider Himself equal to His Father. If we begin there, we see that Yeshua begins at a place we’ll never be, even in eternity. His name will be lifted up and worshiped in both heaven and earth as Lord — to the glory of His Father. We shouldn’t have that expectation for ourselves because it will not happen. We’re His redeemed children, yes, but we are created. Jesus wasn’t created.

Still, when Jesus emptied Himself taking on the servant-like form of a human, He did show us how to live as a human. Not as a goal to be perfect, but an attitude to walk in.

Do nothing out of selfishness or conceit, but with humility consider others as more important than yourselves, looking out not only for your own interests but also for the interests of others.  (vss. 3-4, TLV)

Paul teaches the believers of Philippi some basic concepts of Yeshua’s attitude: humility, looking out for others as well as us. Sometimes, giving importance to others over ourselves. Do we know what that feels like?

If you’ve ever cared for a child, especially a newborn, sleep is a necessary sacrifice. We place their interests above our own because that’s in the best interest of the child.

That attitude carries itself into all aspects of life. The Holy Spirit is good at showing us when to consider moments of selflessness and when we need to look after our own interests—like health. It’s all in the attitude, right?

Think More About It

Thoughts? How is attitude carried in your walk?

May our attitude be walked out in understanding, my friends.

Praying for Israel—Prayer Prompt

Happy is the one who has not walked in the advice of the wicked,
nor stood in the way of sinners,
nor sat in the seat of scoffers.
But his delight is in the Torah of ADONAI,
and on His Torah he meditates day and night.
He will be like a planted tree over streams of water,
producing its fruit during its season.
Its leaf never droops—
but in all he does, he succeeds. Psalm 1:1-3, TLV

Let’s pray for the wisdom and discernment for Israel and her leaders to walk in wisdom and discernment. May they be refreshed. Amen. God bless you.