What It Means to Truly Be Broken

Dr. John David Smith - As we build toward World Missions Day 2022 and its theme, “Broken,” let’s consider what lessons we learn from Jesus and brokenness? Philippians 2:7 (NKJV) explains the connection between the two: “… rather, he made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.”

The first part of this verse literally means that Jesus emptied Himself. The second part is that He became a servant. In this divine act of the incarnation where God became flesh, these two actions help us understand brokenness and its absolute necessity in fulfilling the mission Christ has given us.

We must be broken to the point that we empty ourselves of personal goals and ambitions and embrace the mission of Christ to truly give all… like Christ.

The first Christ-like essential in brokenness is an attitude of casting off all self-sufficiency and self-promotion. The second essential is all about action — He became a servant. Brokenness reflects a deep relational dependence on God where self is put aside. Brokenness is also unbridled service to God and others in and through His mission.

Incarnational missions demands brokenness, and brokenness is evidenced in our emptiness and servanthood. During this World Missions Day 2022 time of emphasis, our prayer is that you would seek a deep relational dependence on God and wholly embrace his mission.