“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had” Philippians 2:5 (NLT)

The word “attitude” here is the Greek word phroneo, which means: “To think, to exercise the mind, to have an opinion or attitude.” The attitude that is being called for is the one in Philippians 2, verses 3-4, which is one of humility: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

This morning I had to ask myself whether my relationship with my wife reflected my relationship with God. Many times, I find myself displaying selfish tendencies for whatever reason, “human nature” perhaps, an easy excuse. When I don’t get my way, I can argue and shut down a conversation. I could not recollect anytime when this attitude had helped our marriage to grow or build any relationship. Looking at verse 3, “… in humility value others above yourselves”. In many ways we can operate in false humility, putting others above ourselves reluctantly, sulking within, smiling openly; I don’t know if you have been there, but I have. We need to get out of there and let our attitude and our words demonstrate Christ and His love in our lives.

For you to live with Christ’s attitude, start by giving God absolute right over your life and let Him do with you as He pleases. Acknowledging that He has absolute authority to tell you what is best for you and that should be OK with you. Jesus was willing to step from heaven to earth to identify with us, “becoming nothing”, even willing to die for us. Christ’s attitude is of sacrificial love and service. I can do with some of that sacrificial love and service to help my marriage and my relationships grow. What about you?

Developing an attitude of service by ourselves will be impossible, but with the power of God, we can be transformed and filled with attitudes of humble servanthood. Husbands, are you willing to humble yourself and serve your wife? Wives are you willing to humble yourself and serve your husband?

Jesus gave us a good example when he washed His disciples’ feet. John 13: 14-15 says “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you”. Mark 10:45, says “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Lord help us to be willing and submissive to learn from you and be transformed and filled with humble servanthood attitudes, demonstrating your love in our marriages and our homes.