Last week we discussed what it means to be emptied. When we are emptied of ourselves, we clear out our old selves and sinful nature, and with this clearing out we are making room to be filled up. This process of being emptied and filled is a constant process we need to repeat over and over throughout our lives. When we empty ourselves to God, we need to leave ourselves open to Him so He can fill us up with Himself; with all that He knows we need.
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
Philippians 2:9
When Christ came to earth, He humbled Himself in becoming a man like us. He set aside His privileges in order to prioritize the needs of others; of us. He didn’t hold His status of being one with God over anyone. He emptied Himself of His privileges and allowed Himself to be filled with the spirit of a humble servant, obedient to God’s will and glory.
‘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
Jesus remained steadfast, humble, and obedient in all He did. He served people all around the world, loved them, did not complain or slander, and in this servitude, He was then placed in the highest place above all others. If we are called to be like Christ, we, too, are called to empty ourselves of our perceived and assumed privileges, our selfishness, our complaining and slandering, and our old, sinful selves and allow God to make us new in Christ, filling us up as well with the spirit of servitude for His Kingdom and obedience to Him.
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45
He calls us to love others, to display patience, kindness, humility, mercy and grace. This is what He wants to fill us up in, but we must be emptied of what our culture expects of us, what our society demands of us, the norms and stigmas we face, and instead become a beacon for Christ.
‘Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky ‘
Philippians 2:14-15
Philippians 2:15 says we “… will shine among them like stars in the sky”. We can choose to be a beautiful light spreading love, joy, truth, and healing or we can choose to be a broken light that spreads darkness, hurt, and harm. You have an identity in Christ and a responsibility to spread His light rather than the broken lights and darkness of this world. Empty yourself to God, let Him change your broken bulb, and be filled with His light so that you can spill over into the lives of others.
And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
Daniel 12:3
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Matthew 5:13-15
The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Romans 13:12
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Romans 13:12
