Emptied
5 Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men;
Phil 2:5-7 (ASV)
While some of us seem to be blessed with greater ability in various ways, there is a way of thinking about ourselves that is necessary, no matter the gifting, talent+, or virtue that might set us apart from the crowd. In fact, the more we might be considered to be ‘special’, the greater the need for this mindset. The larger the capacity, the greater will be the job of emptying so that what needs to be brought in by the Spirit will have room for placement. Where one’s mind is quite full of self, no matter how legitimate the reasoning, there will be little opportunity for any input that, while seemingly insignificant, has the capability of completely upending the entire basis for what is presently stored there. One word and one thought from the heart of God will bring more productivity and usefulness than a mind jam-packed with information obtained from worldly input.
Jesus said in Matthew 18:3 that it’s not even possible to enter into the kingdom of God and the wealth of true understanding that abides there until there is a complete giving up of whatever is already considered to be great for the simplicity, humility and meekness of a child. Though a lifetime be spent growing in the ‘maturity’ of knowledge and wisdom, for any given moment, in the presence of the Master, all of that accumulated resource is of no value and possibly a true hindrance. Until it is emptied and removed as an occupying force, there will be no reception of the Wisdom that only comes from above. Where it is thought that arrival has already taken place, there can be no progress made along the path that grows brighter and brighter in the presence of the Lord.
There is a mind to be had that is like that of Jesus, the One with the most to be emptied of. Becoming free of all those things once thought so great in ourselves, that actually inhibit reception of this mind, will make way for a filling up from the resource of Christ’s thoughts and His purposes. It will actually be a great experience with promise of peace and confidence- the shedding of all that we were for who we are and will be in Him.
He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. 40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
Matt 10:39-40 (KJV)