ODJ: Okello’s Example

May 5, 2018 

READ: Philippians 2:1-18 

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had (v.5).

While dying of cancer, a seven year old Ugandan child named Okello Dikens became a leader. Though he wasn’t at the helm of a company, he exercised a profound influence through his example of faith, kindness and service.

I vividly remember visiting Okello in the cancer ward one afternoon. He was sitting on a dirty floor and eating a small bowl of vegetable broth. Though it was the only meal his father could afford to buy him for the day, the young boy offered the broth to me.

All who witnessed Okello’s kindness throughout his months in the cancer ward marvelled at the faith the young child exuded as he revealed what the apostle Paul wrote of the “encouragement from belonging to Christ” (Philippians 2:1). Even while going through chronic pain, he focused not only on his own needs, but took “an interest in others, too” (v.4).

My young friend didn’t lead from a pulpit or podium, but from a platform of countless acts of looking out for others despite the physical suffering he endured. Comforted by Jesus’ love, he modelled a tender and compassionate heart and showed that even a child can take on the “same attitude that Christ Jesus had” (v.5).

God’s Word invites us to shine for Christ and to demonstrate that He’s at work in us—giving us “the desire and the power to do what pleases him” (v.13). When we serve others “without complaining and arguing” (v.14), even while going through hard times, we show hearts of real love. And as we pour our lives into others (v.17), we will shine “like bright lights” of hope in a corrupt world (v.15)—pointing to our Saviour’s self-giving love (vv.5-8). May we humbly serve others as we remember our “faithful service is an offering to God” (v.17).

—Roxanne Robbins

365-day plan: Esther 4:1-17