Bible Study Verses
Philippians 2:6-7
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (NIV)
Thoughts
FF Bruce paraphrases Philippians 2:6-7 saying, "Christ made Himself nothing instead of exploiting His equality with God for His own advantage...He emptied Himself, divested Himself, not of His divine nature, but of the glories, the prerogatives of Deity."
A few years back I used to receive regular invitations to attend the Bassmaster Classics as a press observer. The takeoffs each morning from the designated marina were truly impressive, 50 boats all lined up in the correct order. The pro anglers drew the night before for their starting position.
As soon as the starting flag was dropped, the angler would slam the throttle forward, the outboard engine erupting in a blast of ear splitting noise, the boat literally jumping out of the water, and boat and angler racing to be the first angler at the planned fish holding spot. Many times these first runs would be 20-30 miles.
(Tom B)
Action Point
In our personal, business, working, and even in fishing and hunting lives, the drive is to be first, "get there with the most." There is nothing wrong in wanting to do your best, but stop and take a look around. See those who can't be first; they don't have a literal sleek bass boat with a 250 hp engine hanging on the transom.
How can we follow Christ's example, "...made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant."
Maybe it's the best parking spot at grocery store; take the worst parking spot and leave the best ones to others.
Maybe it's the best fishing spot; back off and let others have a chance to sample the fishing action. In bass or saltwater fishing, the person in the front of the boat always has a better chance to catch more fish because he gets first shot at the fish. Let the other angler in the boat choose a spot where they want to try their luck, maybe even let him or her run the trolling motor. Boats are big and wide enough now that two anglers can fish off the front deck. Share the front deck and the fish.
Maybe it's controlling the TV remote. Let the other person choose the program to watch. It feels good sometimes to not be number one and help others have their day in the sun.
Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
When attempting to find fish and what they are biting on, your partner and you need to fish as a team. He tries one bait and you a different bait. Maybe it's the same bait, but each of you is using a different color. Give the fish a choice of more than one bait. You can always change to the fish catching lure or color when you find what is the menu for the fish.
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