Pride is such a high price to pay, yet we cling to it. Pride costs us relationships, the joys of living in community, and so much more.
Years ago, I saw a quick clip where actress, Amy Adams, gave up her first-class seat to a soldier traveling home. The people in the coach seats with her were delighted. She did not buy him a seat next to her in first-class (as there may not have been one available), she gave up hers.
Celebrities are followed by cameras all of the time. Many buy their own planes or charter private flights to not be bothered. When asked about the incident, she said she did it to bring attention to our soldiers, not to herself.
It was her trading places with him that made it extra special. She inconvenienced herself, took the lesser seat, and made herself vulnerable.
I do not think we can fully understand what Jesus gave up to come and be the Lamb of God. His presence was charismatic. The people in power did not know what to do with him. Acting with love, kindness, healing toward the "untouchables" in that society was offensive to the affluent and powerful. He knew the scriptures better than the scholars. He was "The Word" in flesh form. Still, He gave up his place in Heaven to take our place on the cross.
This is my verse for today:
"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." -Philippians 2:5-8
He is the perfect example of a servant leader. He showed us the way to walk, live, love, obey, and serve... even, to death on a cross. He gave up his first-class seat for you and for me... and took our cross.
Today, I am grateful for true humility.
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