JOY IN SERVING

PHILLIPIANS 2:1-5

1Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, a if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.5In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

2: 1-5   Many people— even Christians— live only to make a good impression on others or to please themselves. But selfish ambition and vain conceit bring discord. Paul therefore stressed spiritual unity, asking the Philippians to love one another and to be one in spirit and purpose. When we work together, caring for the problems of others as if their problems were ours, we demonstrate Christ’s example of putting others first, and we experience unity. Don’t be so concerned about making a good impression or meeting your own needs that you strain relationships in God’s family.

2: 3   Selfish ambition can ruin a church, but genuine humility can build it. Being humble involves having a true perspective about ourselves (see Romans 12: 3). It does not mean that we should put ourselves down. Before God, we are sinners, saved only by God’s grace, but we are saved and therefore have great worth in God’s kingdom. We are to lay aside selfishness and treat others with respect and common courtesy. Considering others’ interests as more important than our own links us with Christ, who was a true example of humility.Tyndale. NIV Life Application Study Bible

Paul encourages us to guard against any selfishness, prejudice, or jealousy that might lead to dissension. Showing genuine interest in others is a positive step forward in maintaining unity among believers.

ON THE WAY HOME WALK WITH JESUS and try to get along with all others, especially the brothers and sisters in our churches, and those we meet in our daily lives showing a joyfull spirit of humility shown to us by JESUS CHRIST.

onthewayhomeministries.org by RICHARD DEAN BROOKS