Jesus Christ—what a model! He humbled Himself and became man, living a life of obedience and submission. He endured the cross to save humankind from their sins. What a model, indeed. But who could ever follow such a perfect example? Those who try, without His strength, find their lives to be hypocritical and frustrating. What is needed in following Christ is balance.

Jesus Christ—what a model! He humbled Himself and became man, living a life of obedience and submission. He endured the cross to save humankind from their sins. What a model, indeed. But who could ever follow such a perfect example? Those who try, without His strength, find their lives to be hypocritical and frustrating. What is needed in following Christ is balance.

Jesus Christ—what a model! He humbled Himself and became man, living a life of obedience and submission. He endured the cross to save humankind from their sins. What a model, indeed. But who could ever follow such a perfect example? Those who try, without His strength, find their lives to be hypocritical and frustrating. What is needed in following Christ is balance.

In one word, what’s the most Christlike attitude you can exhibit? You might guess “love” or “faith.” How about “patience” or “forgiveness”? And don’t forget “grace.” All of these are fine answers, but not one of them is correct. There’s only one place in the Bible where Jesus Himself described what it means to be Christlike. Philippians 2 provides the challenging illustration of what He said—an illustration for us to follow.

In one word, what’s the most Christlike attitude you can exhibit? You might guess “love” or “faith.” How about “patience” or “forgiveness”? And don’t forget “grace.” All of these are fine answers, but not one of them is correct. There’s only one place in the Bible where Jesus Himself described what it means to be Christlike. Philippians 2 provides the challenging illustration of what He said—an illustration for us to follow.

In one word, what’s the most Christlike attitude you can exhibit? You might guess “love” or “faith.” How about “patience” or “forgiveness”? And don’t forget “grace.” All of these are fine answers, but not one of them is correct. There’s only one place in the Bible where Jesus Himself described what it means to be Christlike. Philippians 2 provides the challenging illustration of what He said—an illustration for us to follow.

The cliché “between a rock and a hard place” endures because we’ve all found ourselves in that middle ground. Paul, with his mind set on Christ, described his dilemma in the first chapter of Philippians—his desire to depart and be with Christ versus his desire to remain. The Philippians also faced a dilemma, a dilemma that challenged them, as it will us, to pick either the rock or the hard place.

The cliché “between a rock and a hard place” endures because we’ve all found ourselves in that middle ground. Paul, with his mind set on Christ, described his dilemma in the first chapter of Philippians—his desire to depart and be with Christ versus his desire to remain. The Philippians also faced a dilemma, a dilemma that challenged them, as it will us, to pick either the rock or the hard place.

The cliché “between a rock and a hard place” endures because we’ve all found ourselves in that middle ground. Paul, with his mind set on Christ, described his dilemma in the first chapter of Philippians—his desire to depart and be with Christ versus his desire to remain. The Philippians also faced a dilemma, a dilemma that challenged them, as it will us, to pick either the rock or the hard place.

Fill in the blank: “For me to live is _______________.” Be honest, now. What, exactly, is the essence of living for you? Is it success? Or money? How about your family? Anything could be put into the blank, but if you didn’t write “Christ” then a life of joy is based on circumstances. Circumstances are ever changing, like the comings and goings of the tide. But a Christ-centred life is rock solid—it’s the only way to live.