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“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:”. (Philippians 2:5, NIV)

The thought in today’s verse doesn’t end with the “:”. Paul goes on to specify the attitudes that reflect the mind of Christ, which are:

a. Regarding gifts as opportunities. . . (Verse 6) Some gifts you have, and some gifts you are! Each are given to us for service, not for status!

b. . . . in servitude. . . (Verse 7) “Service” is an act. On the other hand, “servitude” is a condition. Do you and I maintain an attitude of servitude in our interactions with others?

c. . . . through humble obedience. (Verse 8) A star athlete falls short of his or her potential when the coach is not obeyed. Likewise, we must do, go, and be as the Holy Spirit directs; not for our own glory, but for the glory of God.

Are you cultivating “the same mindset as Christ Jesus” in your relationships with others? – Luther

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Tagged employment of gifts, gifts, obedience, service, servitude, the book of Philippians

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“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6-8, NIV)

We hinder the work of God in this world when we “play out of position.”

Writing here about the diverse gifts of the members of the family of God, Paul encourages us to esteem whatever gift we’ve been given; and he discourages the pettiness and competitiveness that takes root when we lament the skills and abilities we have not been given.

Over time, we become aware of our gifts. Let us also be aware that our knowledge, skills, and abilities are gifts to us from God; but not for our own benefit. We must “play in position” in order for the whole of God’s family to do what God needs it do; and to be what God needs it be. – Luther

Tagged employment of gifts, gifts, the book of Romans

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“Then Moses said to the Israelites, ‘See, the Lord has chosen Bezalal son of Uri, the son of Hur, the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills — to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts.'” (Exodus 32: 30-32, NIV)

Let’s hear it for the fine arts!

According to today’s scripture, when God commissioned the work for the tent of meeting and all of its furnishings, He chose, inspired, and equipped Bezalel — and others — with the genius, the knowledge, and the skills to make something magnificent.

Without musicians, writers, poets, painters, sculptors, dancers, and designers, our world would be much less beautiful. May our Father forgive us for minimizing the artistic gifts of our brothers, sisters, and neighbors; and may He help us to celebrate the work of all whose labors make visible the invisible; audible the inaudible; and tangible the intangible. – Luther

Tagged aesthetics, Bezalal, fine arts, gifts, Moses, the book of Exodus