Philippians 1:1

Philippians is one of my favorite books of the Bible.... practical, doctrinal and inspirational.  Paul writes from prison to his brothers and sisters who are enduring persecution. He repeatedly shares his mindset for having peace and joy in hard times throughout the letter.  Today's devo is a short one but it hit me hard.... right in the 'pride'.

1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 

 He doesn't walk out to a cheering crowd on a big stage, introducing himself and Timothy as the 'rock stars' of Christianity... they're not announced following a long bio and list of accomplishments for the gospel.  Paul tosses 'self' aside and calls himself a 'bondservant'. This term literally refers to a slave that is owned by a master.  No ego.  No parchment signings.   No paparazzi.   No special camel parking spot.  Nada.

Paul's attitude is that in himself, he's got nothin'. And because Paul made himself to be nothing, He demonstrated Christ to be everything.  If I want Christ to be evident in me, I have to make myself as nothing (Matt 23:11-12) because the best leaders are actually servants.  Those who are big shots in the kingdom are actually the humble, unassuming ones, not the flashy, spot-light-seekers.  You can tell a lot about people by the way they refer to themselves.  

Paul called himself a slave; not his own, but bought at a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)... a servant who makes no plans, but comes and goes as his master tells him.  He has no possessions that are 'his'.   There was nothing lower than a bondservant, and yet there was nothing else he would rather be.  I get it backwards sometimes.   

Lord, keep reminding of who You are, and who I am... a bondservant.  Help me lay aside my ego and agenda and seek Your will, wherever I find myself today. Amen