Scripture:
Philippians 2:1-4 NKJV
[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.
Observation:
The letter to the Philippines is a short letter, and you can read through it in 20 minutes or less if you want to, but the information given in it on how to navigate through life will last a life time if you write it on your heart. The first verse in chapter 2 is a plea for mercy and unity in Christ. Paul is reminding the Philippines that they have a common bound in Jesus Christ, a brotherly kind of love that started with a relationship built around the connection that came from Jesus being a part of their life. His plea continues in verse 2 by asking the Philippines to fulfill his joy by being like-minded. Paul knew that there would be a tendency for the enemy to sneak in and separate a good thing by just adding a little selfish ambition. Or self-centered thinking. So before he even mentioned what he saw as the problem, he begs them to be in one accord and moving in one direction. Focused on others and not self. His plea includes setting themselves aside and focusing on the needs of others. Not being conceited. But acting out of humility rather than pride. Putting the needs of others right up there with our needs. The phrase, ” let each esteem others better than himself.” Is kind of a heart punch if you really consider what it’s saying. It honestly goes against what the world teaches. The world says… you have to take care of number one, but the bible teaches you to become equal at best, or if you really dig in. It teaches to be second. Verse 4 drives it all home. By saying let us look out for others as well as ourselves. Let us be equal. In one accord.
Application:
There’s that phrase again… in one accord. Unity in love is so very important. Being in one mind and in one spirit. Thinking of the needs of others above our own. Here is where I have to dig in a little and maybe prick the heart. I know it’s going to prick mine. It all starts with a question. Look back over the last few days weeks or months of your life and ask yourself this question. Where have I put myself and my needs above the needs of someone else who was really in need? Where has selfish ambition been a part of my life. I just recently walked away from a large portion of work due to the mental health of one of my employees. My concern for him was more important than the money that would have been made doing the work that was in front of us to do. The customer was one who never had much good to say and was more about taring down those around him rather than building them up. Walking away from that work put me in a real pinch. But the men I walk with are more important to me than the money that would have been made. I would like to believe that the minds of those men are in the same accord. That they would put themselves aside for their brothers. That they would be selfless and not selfish. Just to be honest, it’s really put me in a pinch. I am searching for work to fill those months that I had filled out already. I’m not saying that I am perfect or look at me. I’m only trying to give an example of this scripture brought to life. Putting the needs of others first can put you in a pinch. But it’s what is necessary when you love your neighbor as yourself. You consider their needs first. I never want to put someone at risk of brake down. The thing is, when you put their needs first. It may not be noticed, and they don’t have to return the favor. They may not be at that point life. The bible says all a man’s ways seem right to him, but in the end, they lead to death. Listen, I want more than anything for my ways to be right. I do my very best to put the bible in action in my daily life, and I have seen some major changes in me. Selfless love for others is not my strong point. In side of me is a selfish, self-centered person. Putting others first is hard. But it’s what the bible teaches, and it’s what must be done. I want the favor of GOD on my life. I want to hear 6 words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Prayer:
Father, this morning, my heart is heavy. I know you are a good Father, and you have a plan. We just want our feet to be on the right path. Help us to set down any selfish ambition and consider others first. I’m honestly not really sure what else to pray after that because it seems to be the driving force of what needs to be done. Let us become number 2 in all that we do. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.