“…but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.” — Philippians 2:7
In the Kingdom of God, the geography of power is inverted. The way up is down.
This is the paradox that confuses the enemy. The world believes power is seized by climbing. By grasping. By asserting dominance. By building a brand. By shouting louder than the competition. The world teaches you to protect your reputation at all costs.
But the ultimate Warrior, Christ, displayed His power by descending.
Paul tells us He “made Himself of no reputation.” He stripped off the robes of glory. He laid aside the privileges of divinity. He left the worship of angels to enter the trenches with the soldiers He came to save. He didn’t come as a General on a podium; He came as a servant with a towel.
True strength is not loud. True strength does not need to announce itself. Insecurity is loud; authority is quiet. A weak man demands respect; a strong man commands it by serving. Jesus had nothing to prove, so He could afford to serve. He could wash dirty feet because He knew He held all authority in His hands.
Are you fighting for reputation right now? Are you fighting to be seen, to be acknowledged, to be “right”? That is the way of the world, and it is a trap. It is a treadmill that never stops. The way of the Warrior is the way of the Cross. It is the willingness to be nothing so that God can be everything.
Humility is not weakness; it is strength under control. It is power harnessed for a purpose. It is the sword sheathed, ready to be drawn only at the Commander’s order. This Christmas, check your ego at the door. Serve those who cannot pay you back. Love those who annoy you. Descend, and watch God lift you up.
The Warrior’s Prayer: Lord, strip me of my need for reputation. I lay down my pride, my need to be right, and my desire for applause. I take on the form of a servant. Teach me the power of the descent. Let me walk in the humility of Christ, knowing that You oppose the proud but give grace to the humble. Amen.