Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3 (NIV)
When I write these devotions, I read around the day's verse to gain context. Sometimes, I need to look at the preceding and following chapters; other days, like today, it is only a few verses, but they cannot be separated because they all support one another. They make a thought sandwich with outer layers of juicy stuff in the middle. So today, we will explore what Paul is saying in Philippians 2:1-5. It resonates more now than ever in the days following the election.
Verse 1: "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion."
Paul begins by highlighting the benefits of being in Christ: encouragement, comfort, sharing in the Spirit, tenderness, and compassion. These are the foundational layers of our thought sandwich, providing the essential support for the message within.
Verse 2: "Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind."
The "Then" here is crucial. It serves as the binding ingredient, connecting the experience of Christ's love and encouragement to the expected outcome—unity among believers. Because we have experienced these blessings, we are called to reflect them in our relationships with others. Paul’s joy is complete when the church exhibits this unity and love. The word "Then" indicates a logical progression. It suggests that the unity Paul desires among believers is a natural response to the encouragement, comfort, and love they have received from Christ. The blessings we receive are not meant to be hoarded but to be shared, creating a community that mirrors the love and unity of Christ.
Verses 3-4: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
Now we get to the juicy middle of our thought sandwich:
Humility: Unity requires humility, where we see others as more important than ourselves.
Selflessness: We should prioritize the needs and interests of others above our own.
Imagine a world where everyone valued others above themselves:
Reduced Conflict: There would be fewer conflicts as people focus more on understanding and meeting each other's needs.
Increased Compassion: Kindness and generosity would be commonplace, creating a more compassionate and supportive society.
Stronger Communities: Communities would be stronger and more cohesive if individuals worked together for the common good rather than individual gain.
Greater Peace: With everyone striving to serve one another, there would be a greater sense of peace and harmony.
Verse 5: "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus."
This verse is the other foundational layer, reiterating the call to unity and selflessness. It urges believers to adopt Christ's mindset, characterized by humility and love.
By living out these principles, we reflect Christ's love and contribute to a world that values unity, compassion, and selflessness. This transformation starts with each individual embracing the encouragement, comfort, and love they receive from Christ and extending it to others.
Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for the encouragement, comfort, and love we receive through Christ. Help us to reflect these blessings in our relationships with others. Grant us the humility to value others above ourselves and the selflessness to prioritize the needs of those around us. May we adopt the mindset of Christ, living out His love and compassion in all we do. As we strive to create a world that values unity and selflessness, we ask for Your guidance and strength. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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