As we look intently into the life of Christ, we see that He lived a life unified to the Father, maintaining the same love, mind, affection, and compassion that the Father embodied. Jesus lived an empty life! Verse 7 reads, “Jesus emptied himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of man.” The term “bondservant” is a translation from the Greek word “doulos”, which in the New Testament could refer to someone who voluntarily served others. A bondservant was considered the property of a Roman citizen, holding no right to leave his place of service. Jesus often taught this in his parables, notably in Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 12:41-48. 

Jesus often taught that the most significant person in the Kingdom was a servant (doulos) as we see in His words in Mark 9:35. We cannot fully serve God while full of ourselves, or while esteeming ourselves higher than others. The only way to completely operate in the love of Christ is to first empty ourselves. Then, we must acknowledge anything that prevents us from living our lives fully devoted to him. We cannot be full of deceit, envy, malice, self-righteousness, or even pride and adequately represent Christ to others.  Becoming an authentic bondservant hinges on our willingness to do these four things:

1. That we would allow our lives to be poured out as an offering.
   
   
2. That we would learn obedience and that we would embrace our cross.
   
   
3. That we would allow the Holy-Spirit to search our hearts and show us anything that may hinder us from being effective in God.
   
   
4. Lastly, that we would allow ourselves to be emptied so that the Lord can fill us and renew us afresh. 

In doing these things, Jesus exposed himself to public hatred and scorn, yet He became our greatest example. Jesus taught us how to deny our flesh and empty ourselves to be fully available to be used by the Father no matter the cost. There is something that self-denial produces that no applause from man could ever give. I want to challenge you to look at every area of your life. Ask yourself one question: “Do I embody the same love, mind, affection and compassion as the Father embodied?” If your answer is no, then ask what you can do to empty yourself so that your life exemplifies the life of Christ before God and others.