The RefineryWeek 4: Emerging (Days 23–30)
Biblical Focus: The Downward Path
Philippians 2:5 (NLT)
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Read Philippians 2:5–11. This is one of the most profound passages in all of Scripture. Paul traces the journey of Jesus: though He was God, He did not cling to His rights. He gave up His divine privileges, took the humble position of a slave, was born as a human being, humbled Himself in obedience, and died a criminal's death on a cross.
Every step went down. And Paul says: this is the attitude you must have.
Everything in our world teaches us to climb. Climb the ladder, build the platform, protect your rights, defend your image. But the mind of Christ moves in the opposite direction. It lets go of what it is entitled to. It chooses the lower place. It obeys even when obedience costs everything.
Notice what this means for transformation. To be transformed into Christ's likeness is not to become impressive. It is to become like the One who emptied Himself. The more like Jesus you become, the less you will need to be noticed, honored, or right.
And yet look at the end of the passage: "Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor" (v. 9). The way down is the way up. Not because we use humility as a strategy for promotion, but because God exalts those who empty themselves.
In June we died to self. Today we see the shape of the life that rises from that death: a downward life, poured out for others.
The Practice of Transformation
Identify one "right" you are currently insisting on: to be thanked, to be first, to win an argument, to be treated fairly. Lay it down today, deliberately, as an act of worship.
✦ Reflection ✦
In what area of your life are you still climbing instead of descending?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You came down for me. Give me Your attitude. Teach me the way down. Amen.
The mind of Christ moves downward.
Help Choose Our 2027 Devotional
As this year of Wrapped in His Presence comes to a close, we're praying about where the Lord is leading us next, and I'd love your help deciding. There are three possible journeys for 2027:
- Refined: The Refiner's Fire (Malachi 3:2–3)
- Abiding Fruit: From Presence to Overflow (Galatians 5:22–23)
- Wounded to Carry: The Ministry of Comfort (2 Corinthians 1:4)
Please pray over them, then vote here for the one that stirs your spirit.