The Cross-Shaped Life: Humility and Love

Scripture: Philippians 2:5–8
“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, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Devotional Thought -Day 15

Jesus Christ, though fully divine, chose the path of humble obedience. He did not cling to His rights as God but willingly emptied Himself, taking on humanity, and embracing the lowest place—a servant, obedient even to death. This passage draws us into the breathtaking downward movement of the incarnation. Christ moved from glory to suffering, from the throne to the cross, all for our salvation.

The phrase “he emptied himself” has sparked much theological debate, but its meaning is plain in this context: Jesus laid aside His divine privileges, not His divine nature. He did not cease to be God, but He chose not to exploit His status. He humbled Himself. The infinite Creator became finite. The Holy One stooped to wash feet, to be ridiculed, and to die a sinner’s death though He had no sin. His incarnation was not just a physical descent but a spiritual and relational surrender of heavenly glory for the sake of sinners.

This humiliation was not weakness—it was love. The love of Christ constrained Him, compelled Him, carried Him all the way to the cross (2 Corinthians 5:14). His obedience was not just to a plan—it was personal. He became a servant not merely to show us humility, but to save the proud. The Son of God bore a crown of thorns that we might one day wear a crown of life. He suffered degradation so that we might be exalted with Him.

And now, Paul calls us to have this mind—to embrace this same attitude. The Christian life is not a quest for status or self-fulfillment but a journey of downward mobility for the glory of God and the good of others. Just as Jesus humbled Himself for us, we are called to humble ourselves in love for one another. Our relationships, choices, and sacrifices should bear the marks of Calvary. We walk in the way of the cross.

True Christian maturity is not measured by how high we climb, but by how low we’re willing to stoop in love. If our Savior washed feet and bore a cross, how can we insist on recognition or comfort? The cross-shaped life is the Spirit-shaped life—one that reflects the beauty of Christ’s humility and the power of His love.

Prayer

Father, thank You for sending Your Son, who though He was in the form of God, took the form of a servant and humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross. Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us true greatness through Your humility and love. Teach us to walk in Your ways, to put others before ourselves, and to lay down our lives in service. Holy Spirit, shape our hearts and minds to reflect the attitude of Christ in all we do. Make us more like Him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.