Read: Philippians 2:1-11
He leads me . . . for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:3b-c)
I like receiving praise for something that I have done. Receiving praise is not wrong or sinful, but when it puffs me up with pride, I am walking for my name’s sake and not God’s. Do you find yourself doing the same? David said that God our Shepherd will lead us in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake, not ours.
In our reading today, Paul encourages the Philippians to have the same mindset, the same love, doing nothing from selfish ambition or conceit (Phil. 2:2-3). Instead, they are to look at the interests of others (v. 4). In other words, they are to think and act like Jesus. What did Jesus do? He emptied himself, taking on the form of a servant; he humbled himself, becoming obedient even to the point of death on a cross (vv. 7-8). Because of this, God exalted him so that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord (v. 11). Jesus is the one to receive the glory and praise—not you and me.
Are you walking today for his name’s sake or are you walking so others will notice you? Are you living in such a way that others will want to know the one you are following? Our Shepherd leads us in paths of righteousness in order that his name will be honored. We walk for his name’s sake so one day, all people will be drawn to him.
As you pray, commit to walk for his sake.
Nancy Boote, an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America, lives in Holland, Michigan, with her husband. She serves in a variety of leadership positions within the denomination. Besides being a wife, mother, and grandmother, Nancy enjoys taking prayer walks, hiking in nature, mentoring, and has a heart for justice matters.
