“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men” Philippians 2:3-7

Many have discussed and debated this section of Philippians 2 as to the doctrinal nature of Christ. But, the main point must not be overlooked: “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.” The key issue here is not doctrine, but mindset.

In the book, “The Jesus Style,” the author states this about the attitude of Christ: “Image building is a significant industry in the United States. Presidential candidates and others who need a tangible expression of approval from the public spend millions of dollars on simply building their image … Image or reputation is simply a means to gain control over others or manipulate them to our best advantage … Jesus kept doing things that were detrimental to his reputation. He didn’t mind who He was seen with … He would do whatever would serve the best interest of a person, regardless of the cost to Himself.”

The attitude of Christ that we are to emulate is an other-focus that takes no thought as to our own reputation or image. It is a focus on their best good, regardless of whether we get the credit (preferably that we do not).

The idea that Jesus “emptied Himself” (kenosis) is hard to wrap our minds around. It calls to mind the woman who poured out an expensive vial of perfume on the feet of Jesus to anoint Him for His burial (Matthew 26:6-13). If we are to empty ourselves similarly we disregard all personal cost for the sake of obedience to our Father through Jesus, for the good of those being served. It is an act so radical, and even impossible, that it can only be done by the very nature and presence of Christ working in and through us.

May the “emptying” Christ empty us today so that He can fill us with a servant mindset and lifestyle.

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