“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8
Empty.
That is such a loaded word, yet it is used often. I have heard people say that they feel “empty” inside when they have been hurt by another. Others say they are “empty” when they have given and given and given and are merely running on fumes. Still others use the same word to describe how they feel when they have used people and taken advantage of even more, and they finally realize that all they have done has left them with nothing.
Empty.
I like the NASB translation of these verses, when it describes Christ’s servant example: “but emptied Himself.” Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines empty as “to make empty, to remove the contents of.” So, Christ removed the contents of Himself to come to earth as a human to die for us, for me. He willingly laid aside many of His privileges: no heavely glory, lived with the confines and weaknesses of the human body, and even felt the wrath of His own Father. Now, we are to follow His example.
We are to empty the contents of ourselves. But are we to remain empty? No. We are to be:
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filled with the fruits of righteousness (Philippians 1:11)
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filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)
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filled with the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19)
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filled with all knowledge (Romans 15:14)
When we empty out ourselves, God will fill us with Him.
Are you willing to run on empty?
