David Bahn – Reflections

Philippians 2:5-7 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form.

I can still remember the words, “Oh Dave, we have to talk. We have to talk.” Smug and knowing, these words were spoken by a colleague in reference to my studies at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California. It was clear to me that the conversation was to be one-sided. I needed to be warned, instructed, corrected, rebuked, or vetted in some way. My colleague had the superior knowledge and insight. I remember the feeling too. It was not a pleasant one.

I can still remember a question asked three times of me by a dear brother in Christ: “Dave, what do you think Diane is feeling right now?” The brother is a Christian counselor, and he was helping me through a rough spot in my life that also impacted our marriage. I remember the feeling, too, the third time he asked the question. It was a feeling of honest humility. I did not know what she was thinking. And this brother enabled me to recognize and admit that.

It could be that I needed correction, or even rebuke in the first conversation. But there was a lack of humility all around. Neither my colleague nor I had much humility in our attitude toward each other. While it is easy still for me to feel put down and belittled by my colleague, perhaps I missed an opportunity to serve him because I didn’t follow up with him.

But humility begets humility. My Christian brother invited me to humble myself in a humble manner. His question was not arrogant, not even particularly probing. The first two times he asked, and I answered, he simply said, “OK,” and continued speaking with Diane. The third time, I admitted, I had no answer.

The King of the Universe humbled himself and became a servant for all, obedient to his Father – even to the point of death. He did not take advantage of his proper place nor claim the perqs of his eternal glory. He sacrificed himself in service to others.

Jesus calls his people to follow his example of self-sacrificial service to others. Too often we cling to our need to know the answer, to be right, and to be seen as equal or superior to others. We neglect our calling as Christians with that attitude.

It takes a good deal of security to deal with someone in that manner. It requires that we have a deep storehouse of confidence in our place in the eternal reality of God’s grace and our identity as God’s sons and daughters. But that is the gift of God that enables us to live in service to him and others.

Prayer:    Lord Jesus I thank you for redeeming me by your suffering and death. Help me to follow in your way, and have the same attitude as yours toward God and others. Amen.