I can’t let the beginning of the new year go by without first wishing you a happy (happier?) one; and second, commenting on the plethora of advice on how to have a better year than the one that just ended. 

It seems everyone has something to contribute to the mix, from being your best self to getting out the clutter, both physical and mental, and all forms of self-improvement. My advice might sound a little different: die a little every day.

Galatians 2:20 tells us we’ve been crucified with Christ and we no longer live, but he lives in us. Our lives are not our own; we’ve been bought with a price. As a human on earth, Jesus didn’t live for himself but lived to do the will of his Father. 

In Philippians 2:5, before talking about how Jesus emptied himself, Paul said we are to have the same mindset or attitude. While we can never achieve anywhere near the level of self-emptying of Jesus, it’s part of who we are as Christians and deserves serious thought, prayer and even effort.

Jesus lives in us, which means the kenosis of the Trinity. and Jesus in particular, naturally point to a form of kenosis in humans, especially in, but not limited to, his followers. 

Becoming more like Jesus means we practice self-emptying and die a little every day.

First published on 5 January 2021, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com a personal blog which is not sponsored by Grace Communion International.

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