Not Grasping Equality With God

2:6 although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped

Adam, made in the image of God, succumbed to the serpent’s temptation. "For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Gen.3:5) Adam, regarding equality with God a thing to be grasped, filled himself with the forbidden fruit. He rejected his role as a bond-servant of God, refusing to humble himself under the authority of his Maker. For this reason, God severely humbled him, and his name has been associated with his rebellion ever since.

Jesus, on the other hand, existing in the form of God, did not succumb to Satan’s temptation. He did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself. He accepted His role as a bond-servant of God, humbling Himself by becoming obedient. For this reason, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name.

Adam, as man, tried to become God. Jesus, as God, became a man.

Here are set before us two men, representing two paths. One tries to save his life but loses it. One willingly loses His life and saves it. This is the question facing every one of us: which path will we choose?

Heavenly Father, I think You that You sent Jesus to be the ultimate example of how a man is supposed to live. Thank you that He willingly gave up His own life. Thank You that You highly exalted Him as a result. Help me to willingly give up my life as well, in confidence that Your reward will far outshine all of the empty pleasures of this world. Help me not to walk in the way of the flesh, which urges me to grasp life for myself. Help me rather to walk in the way of the Spirit of Christ, who urges me to let go of my life for You and for others.