2:4 - What does it mean to look to the interests of others? It means that you put others before yourself. It means that you care as much about what is going on in the lives of other people as you care about the things that are going on in your life. To be able to live like this...to live like this, you have to know the hearts of the people around you. You need to know what they need so that you can serve them in an effective manner. It is vital that you listen...really listen...to know their heart - know where they are coming from. It is vital that we get to know people so that we can serve them in a God honoring fashion.
2:5 - What does it mean to have the mind of Christ? What do you think that looks like? What does it look like for you and me to take on the attitude of Christ? Think about it...think about what that would change about the way that you live your life.
Paul tells us exactly what that looks like int he next two verses...
2:6-7 - Jesus, who was and is God, denied his God-nature when he was on earth and humbled himself before....Himself (I know, it is really hard to comprehend). Jesus , the God/man, humbled himself before God the Father (Another part of Himself). Jesus did not lead through power, authority, glory or majesty. He did not use his infinite knowledge to bend people to his will. He did not use his power to make the multitudes cower before him. He led through humble service. He touched lepers. Treated women with respect. Spent time with children. Hung out with sinners. Washed feet. Allowed himself to be crucified in our place. He turned the world upside down and showed us exactly what it looks like to "look to the interests of others." He did not just die on the cross...he lived the cross-life. Do you? Do you make yourself "nothing" for the sake of others as Jesus did? Do you take up your cross and follow him?
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