Humbling Ourselves

[Christ Jesus] emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death.
-Philippians 2:7-8 (NRSV)

WE were on our way to church when we saw the brand new ambulance in the distance. Two neatly dressed paramedics stepped out of the ambulance with a stretcher. As we got closer to the scene, we observed the paramedics placing a disheveled, very dirty, drunk man on the clean stretcher.

My immediate comment was, "What a waste! All that medical training and experience, and for what - to give aid to such a disgraceful character!"

No sooner had the words left my mouth than I heard inwardly: And who are you? Do you believe you are better than this poor soul, even as you come before the One who descended from heaven to rescue you from your wicked ways?

Deep shame and hurt filled my soul, and I asked forgiveness for my insensitivity and haughtiness. When I arrived at church, it did not come as much of a surprise for me to learn that the sermon was based on the scripture found in Philippians 2. That day, every word in the passage took on profound, new meaning for me.


Prayer
Merciful God, forgive us when we look down on others. Thank you for opening our eyes to see our brothers and sisters and ourselves as you do. Amen.


From: UpperRoom Devotionals - Virtudes T. de Tosoni