Philippians 2:5–11 (NRSV)

5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited,7 but emptied himself,taking the form of a slave,being born in human likeness.And being found in human form,8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.9 Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name,10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.

Paul reminds the church in Philippi, and us today, that we are to follow Christ. And then he shows us the way of Christ which is a twofold movement – downward first and then upward. Christ came down and took the form of a human. Christ remained down and humbled himself through obedience that eventually resulted in his death.

Then, and only then, did the upward movement begin as God glorified Jesus by exalting him above everyone and everything past, present and future. And by making Jesus Lord of all the Father is also glorified.

Do you see the circle? A downward movement of humility through obedience is always met with faithfulness from God and results in his will being done both now and in the future.

Lord Jesus, may you give me the courage and strength and wisdom to follow you.