Vulnerability

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.
                                                              Philippians 2:5-8 (NRSV)

One of the biggest challenges we face is accepting the reality of our vulnerability as human beings.

Vulnerability is not something we like to think about.  The world around us fights to eliminate all traces of anything that is seen as weakness.

We spend time building up our income, our education, our accomplishments, our social circle and our possessions in a vain attempt to ignore the truth of our vulnerability.  The world commends us for being strong and in control.

But Jesus gives us a different example to follow - a countercultural way of living in this world.

Unlike us, He did not attempt to gain power, wealth or popularity.  Instead, He gave up His total equality with God and took on the form of a servant.  He willingly gave away the very things we spend so much time desperately trying to acquire.  In the end, He made the ultimate sacrifice and gave away  His sinless life to redeem our selfish and sin-filled lives of ignorance.

Vulnerability may not always be easy or pleasant but it breaks down the barriers that divide us.  It reminds us that we are all human with the same basic need to be loved.  It strips away the pride that separates us from one another.  It reminds us that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.

God, grant each of us in our blindness the courage and the strength to be vulnerable in Christ as we grow in Your love.