No Reputation?

[Christ Jesus] made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

Philippians 2:7, NKJV

Jealousy does ugly things to people. Joseph’s brothers were jealous of his position as favored son and sold him as a slave into Egypt. Miriam and Aaron were jealous of Moses’ position among the Israelites and took it out on him by talking poorly about his Cushite wife. From the moment the Israelite women danced and sang, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands,” Scripture says, Saul kept a jealous eye on David (1 Samuel 18:7, 9). The rest of the book of 1 Samuel speaks of Saul’s jealous rage as he sought David’s life.

It was out of envy that the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and Jesus to be executed. Jesus’ popularity and reputation was eclipsing theirs, and like King Saul their jealous eye was set on seeking His life.

Jealousy is a sign of pride. Prideful people can’t bear hearing anyone else be praised, but themselves. The self-important get jealous when their position is threatened and their influence is minimalized. They don’t like playing second fiddle, especially if they’ve sat in first chair for any length of time.

Maybe it’s the new gal at Bible study that just may be the next Beth Moore, while you’re fumbling to find the book of Philemon. Maybe your best friend lost 25 pounds, your sister is remodeling her home again, or everyone in your social circle seems to have a Christmas-card perfect family except you. 

Jealousy, selfish ambition, pride, and envy share a horizontal perspective. It’s a comparison game among people that preys on insecurities, and is a fight for position, popularity, and power. It can get ugly or it can be subtle. However it plays out in life or the remote recesses of the heart, it’s more of me, and less of Him.

For God to increase and become greater in our lives we must learn from Jesus who made Himself of no reputation (Philippians 2:7). He emptied Himself of significance and made Himself nothing. He exemplified what it means to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves (Philippians 2:3). 

He>i: Is there someone you have a jealous eye on right now? Will you choose to have no reputation in this situation?

Reputation, image, prestige, prominence, power, and other trappings of leadership were not only devalued, they were purposefully dismissed. Jesus became such a man. Not by default or accident, but by intention and design.

Regi Campbell

grace and peace,

Lenae