Philippians 2:1-11 NIV
1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Paul begins by talking about unity and love for others. He mentions the need to be unified, of one mind and in one accord. We know from the book of Acts (chapter 2) that unity brings the blessing and favor of God. When the disciples got together in one mind and in one accord they turned their world upside down.
Psalms 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition!These next few verse speak about consideration for others. We as Christians are called and taught to consider the needs of others. To look at the harvest fields and focus on the lost. To reach out to all who have need and show the love of Christ. Paul sites the example of Christ and how He humbled Himself and endured the Cross so we could be reconciled to God. Since Christ humbled Himself the Father has exalted Him now His name is above all names. The disciples had conversations about who was the greatest until Jesus answered their questions.
Luke 22:24-27 NIV
24Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
Jesus was again teaching us something that is contrary to our nature, to love others first, to become a servant so we can lead, to humble ourselves and then God will lift us up. This isn't an easy lesson but it is emphasized throughout God's Word. Our challenge daily should be to seek out those who have needs and bless them. Perhaps we should start each day with a prayer that God would help us to find those in need so we can reach out with the love of Christ.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
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