Emptying Self | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 11, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 23.

Emptying Self.

The Saviour “emptied himself, taking the form of a servant.” Almost every one is ready to empty himself of that which keeps him down in the eyes of the world, in order that he may accept a higher place in forgetfulness of the lower. A newsboy is willing to empty himself of the duties and the difficulties of his unattractive sphere, in order to accept an honorable position in the publishing office, or in the editorial rooms, of a metropolitan daily. A railroad brakeman would empty himself of all that marks his present place, if he could accept in its stead the superintendency of the road on which he works. A successful brewer or tobacconist might even empty himself of his long-time occupation for the prospect of a seat in congress or a foreign diplomatic mission. But it is not common for a man to empty himself of the honors of a higher place, in order to do the duties of a lower one. The commander is not likely to surrender his commission, in order to serve in the ranks. The millionaire does not empty his coffers, so that he can depend on his day's work for a living. The head of the house does not put himself on a par with the servants in the kitchen. Yet He who is our pattern “emptied himself” from the highest honors of Heaven, “taking the form of a servant,” in order that he might sympathize with and rescue the least and the lowest. And unless we are ready to empty ourselves of all pride of wealth, or intellect, or social position, or preferences of taste, in order to the reaching of those who are beneath the plane, or the station which God has assigned to us, we are so far without the mind which was in Christ Jesus, and which we are commanded to have.—Sel.