“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant.” (Philippians 2:5-8)
This is one of the most theologically dense passages in the New Testament, describing Christ’s incarnation — but Paul’s actual point in bringing it up is startlingly practical: “have this mind among yourselves.” The doctrine isn’t presented as abstract theology to admire. It’s presented as a pattern to imitate.
Christ had every right to hold onto equality with God, and chose instead to empty himself — not losing his divinity, but setting aside its privileges, taking the form of a servant, all the way to death on a cross. That’s the specific shape humility takes in this passage: not false modesty, not simply thinking less of yourself, but voluntarily setting aside a rightful position for the sake of others.
Whatever “equality” or status you’re rightfully entitled to — being right in an argument, being owed credit, being served instead of serving — this passage asks whether you’re willing to set it aside the way Christ did, not because your position wasn’t real, but because love was more important than holding onto it.
Reflect: What “rightful position” is Christ inviting you to set aside for someone else’s sake today?
Prayer: Jesus, give me your mind — the willingness to set aside what I’m owed for the sake of serving someone else. Amen.