Ugh! Empty living sounds so sad! Especially when we take it out of context. Read the scripture below.
Philippians 2:5-11Common English Bible (CEB)
5 Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus:
6
Though he was in the form of God,
he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit.
7
But he emptied himself
by taking the form of a slave
and by becoming like human beings.
When he found himself in the form of a human,
8
he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross.
9
Therefore, God highly honored him
and gave him a name above all names,
10
so that at the name of Jesus everyone
in heaven, on earth, and under the earth might bow
11
and every tongue confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
In this scripture Jesus tell about a time when He emptied himself to be more like God. He humbled himself. This is a great lesson for each of us. And to know that we have God with us all of the time is far from sad! We are joyful when we spend time with God!
Hopefully emptying yourself doesn’t sound so strange now. Don’t be confused! This won’t be easy for most of us. What are the things that get in the way of your relationship with God? It might be ego or lack of forgiving others. Only you and God know what stands between you. Think of that list. You can share it with your family if you like. They will be there to support you as you see where you can work on your relationship with God.
Try this –
Take one of those pumpkins you have for Halloween. Take the top off like you usually do. Now, as you scoop the insides out of the pumpkin, think of what you need to empty. With each scoop – empty something. Keep scooping and emptying. You can do this as a family and help each other talk to God about what you are emptying. Once everyone is finished and the pumpkin is empty pray with one another to ask God to strengthen His friendship with you. One other thing, don’t take any of that gross stuff back! Let go of it! Focus on God!