Discipleship: Kenosis

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. Therefore, God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name...—?Philippians 2:5-9

The above except from St Paul’s letter to the Philippians provides a great description of what it means to ‘empty oneself’ to God. Kenosis does open up the theology related to ‘emptying oneself’ to a broader scope, but here we are discussing using the ‘emptying oneself’ theology to empower you as effective listeners.

In your daily lives, do you not perform research before making decisions on high ticket purchases such as house or a car? In your work life, do you not look to understand all of the issues around a particular situation before you decide on a course of action? With your friends and family, do you not seek to understand their issues whenever a dispute arises, in order to resolve the situation amicably?

Why then, would you not ‘empty yourself’ to the Holy Trinity to help you understand and discern the correct path to follow in your daily interactions with all the individuals you meet on a daily basis?

Using the ‘empty oneself’ theology daily will help prepare you to successfully interact with the people you meet daily and apply the enhanced gift of listening received from the Holy Spirit in order to leave that individual with, at a minimum, a good feeling for having interacted with you. Who knows, you may have resolved a dilemma for that person that may have been leading them down the wrong path.

Seek and recognize the face of God in all people. In the musical stage play of ‘Les Misérables’ the character Jean Valjean sung a phrase to his son-in-law at the end ‘If you love someone, you have seen the face of god’. I find this to be so true.

In any case, you will have ended the day with a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of peace by ‘emptying yourself’ to the Lord and he will embrace with His love.

God Bless you.