The Jesus Standard

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: - Philippians 2:5

As Christians who are empowered by the Holy Spirit the standard for our life is Christlikeness. It's plain and simple, "Whoever claims to walk in him must live as Jesus did." (1 John 1:6). There's no negotiating room. We are expected to live as Christ did.

But how is that possible? I am not Christ. I am full of sin. Once we've trusted in Christ the Holy Spirit comes to indwell our hearts. We are filled the the power of God, the same power Christ had. And so we now have the means to accomplish the very task we've been called to.

So if we've been called to live like Jesus what does that look like? What "attitude" does he have that we are to emulate? Well, look at the verses that follow. How is Jesus characterized? He is a servant, he is humble and obedient. Jesus is described as many other things, but this is a good place to start.

Lord, I want to be like Christ, but sometimes that feels like too high of a standard. I constantly fall short. Forgive my shortcomings and purify my heart of wickedness. Empower my with your Spirit and help me set my mind and desires on the things that honor you. I give you permission to develop me into the kind of humble, obedient servant that Christ was.

For His glory,
Matt