Your Strength's Are Not For Flexing

Athletes, coaches, and everyone else, I will ask you the question I continually ask myself and those around me: If our athletic success—or if you aren’t an athlete, your worldly success—is not achieved in a manner that glorifies God, that brings a smile to God's face, and fulfills His assignment for your talent, what’s the point? As you ponder that, let’s examine Philippians 2:6-9. Let's thank Jesus for being a living and walking role model of what it means to stand firm for God's business here on Earth!

Philippians 2:6-9 - New Living Translation - Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7  Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9  Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names,

So much to take away from here:

Jesus did not come to flex; He came to serve. If we are to be Christ-like and reflect Him, we too must not conform to the customs of this world but instead carry out His perfect and pleasing will, which is for us to love one another through serving one another today.

Jesus leveraged His strength for service, not status. (Romans 15:1-2, The Message "Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, 'How can I help?'")

In this passage, we are given the blueprint for Kingdom promotion. As we navigate this world, promotion that is done in a way that pleases God involves:

Step 1) Recognize your strengths and use them to serve, not just for your status.

Step 2) Humble yourself in obedience.

Step 3) Kill your will and completely surrender to God’s calling on your life.

Step 4) Elevation.