The Jesus Christ we proclaim, is the personified OPPOSITE of selfish ambition. “He did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself...and became obedient to the point of death-even death on a cross.” In doing so, Jesus fulfilled his Father's will for the salvation of humanity. And in response, “God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name,” raising him to new life on the third day. This is the pattern that God the Father has established – those who are humble will be exalted, and those who are exalted will be humbled.
We who follow Jesus strive to share in his mindset. We operate against the selfish ambition and conceit of our world, and with fear and trembling, work for God's good pleasure. We hold the interests of others as important to ourselves. And we stand firm in one spirit, in no way intimidated by our opponents. In doing so, we also look forward to the exaltation of rising from the dead, and sharing in the glory of our risen Lord.
Gracious God, keep us always humble and kind. Let our stars shine with the light of your great love for us, in Jesus' name....