SCRIPTURE: Philippians 2
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honour and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. [Philippians 2:5-11]
If want to follow Jesus, I need to go the way that Jesus went.
If I want to be like Jesus, then I need to live and love and sacrifice like Jesus.
Do I really want to live this kind of life, or do I just want to benefit from how Jesus lived for me?
Paul is not just suggesting a Christ-like attitude as a great option, he presents it as the appropriate lifestyle for all who want to follow Jesus, for all who are united to Him by faith.
This is the life that enables us to shine like stars in the crooked, selfish world; it is the kind of life that God created and saved us for; it is the kind of life that the Spirit is working to produce in us.

But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” [Matthew 20:25-28]
Among us it ought to be different.
This is where I see the real separation between the idea of being a “christian” and being a “Jesus-follower”.
The idea of being a christian (as it has come to be understood, not how it ought to be) is of believing and receiving eternal life.
But believing requires acting out on what is believed (if I believe a cup is filled with poison, will I drink it?).
And eternal life is not just a future life, it is a way of living now; we live the eternal kind of life now, with the help of the Holy Spirit, according to the pattern of Jesus.
To follow Jesus involves believing, receiving and living out, an active way of life.

What should Jesus followers look like, what should they be known for?
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. [Philippians 2:3-4]
Sadly, this is not what we are generally known for.
If this fruit is not being demonstrated in our lives, what does that say about our connection to the Lord, about the work of His Spirit in us?
I am not claiming to have this kind of life or reputation; but I do sense that it is what is expected of me, and it is something that I ought to desire and aim for.
A Jesus-follower hasn’t perfect this kind of life, but will be known for their deep desire to seek this kind of life.
“I have decided to be like Jesus… No turning back, no turning back!”

PRAYER:
Lord, I know I am saved by grace; I know that how I live does not determine whether I am saved. But I also know that You have saved me to live a certain way, and have given me everything I need in the Spirit to live this way. Help me to do more than believe and receive, help me to strive to live like You!