Scripture:
Philippians 2:1-11 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. [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.
Observation:
Amazing things happen when people get on the same page. There are examples all throughout the bible. Acts chapter 2 is a great example, but it’s not the only one. That’s why I believe Paul was so intent on unity. As mentioned here in the Philippines, Chapter 2. The letter to the church in Philippi was brief, but it did not lack the content necessary to change lives. The unity that Paul speaks about is more than just getting along with others. It’s a unity that runs a lot deeper than that. The kind of unity that he teaches is through Christ. It’s being of one mind. The way he puts it in the first two verses of this morning’s scripture is very eye-opening. In a sense, what is being said is, “Did you hear what Christ said? Are you comforted by HIS love? Do you have fellowship with HIM through the Holy Spirit? Does your affection lead to mercy? Then fulfill my joy by being like-minded, with love at the forefront of it all.” As he continues his teaching, he begins to bring out the character and nature of Jesus Christ HIMSELF. Saying things like Don’t be selfishly motivated. Now, of course, the words he uses are a little different, but honestly, that’s his point. The keyword to that point is not only the words, “selfish ambition,” but the word, “conceit,” which, as we all know, means someone who thinks of nothing but themselves. Verse 4 is where the rubber really starts to meet the road. Paul wants us to look to the needs of others. He says, “Let each of you look out, “not only” to his own interests, but also for the interests of others. The words, “not only” are key. These words take us back to the keyword “conceit.” That’s his point here. It’s not about us. Moving forward in what he is getting across to us, he brings out the ultimate example. Now in my bible, these are two separate sets of verses divided by subtitles. The first one being, ” unity through humility,” and the second being, “The Humbled and Exalted Christ.” Now that’s not to say that the second is by any means less important. In fact, if you ask me, the second example is the most important. It’s the example Christ gave us. By stepping out of glory, and becoming a man. Walking the earth just like you and me. Going through everything we have ever faced. Suffering a horrific death, putting HIMSELF aside for others. Now don’t get me wrong, very few will die for their faith. But that’s the kind of selfless love we are called to. Jesus Christ gave up HIS very life here humbling HIMSELF to the point of death. Becoming a willing servant. Not elevating HIMSELF, but becoming obedient to the point of death, and GOD elevated HIM. Giving HIM the name above all names. HE didn’t look out for HIS comfort here on earth. In fact, HE was homeless. “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay HIS head.” Totally selfless. HE is our example.
Application:
Man, I know it’s heavy, and I’m not saying we have to be homeless, to be like Christ. I have been homeless. I know what it’s like, and it’s not a whole lot of fun. At this time of year, it’s really cold, you’re dirty, wet, and very uncomfortable. This is the ambition that GOD has laid on my heart. Those who are struggling with so many different things that they live like animals. I have done it. That’s why it holds a special place in my heart. The crazy thing is so did Jesus. HE put HIS comfort in heaven aside to come give us an example of what true selfless love looks like. Selfless ambition. Placing the comfort of others above what we want. A heart of compassion. A heart that seeks the good of others and considers their needs above their own needs. I’m going to be honest, my heart is not only hurting but it’s convicted. I’m guilty, I have a house full of stuff, some of which I will never use again, and people are freezing to death, and our answer is, “The government needs to come up with some kind of program.” Well, I’m going to be honest, it’s not the government’s responsibility. GOD gave that responsibility to us. HE told us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. As I go into this Christmas season, I’m not thinking about what I want, in fact I don’t want anything. I want to give it all away. I have more than enough. What does it look like to kick down the gates of HELL? I can tell you. It looks like a selfless sacrifice. It looks like stepping out of comfort and more than enough for a homeless man who died on a cross for people who would have a form of godliness but deny its power. Today I am going to take the extra hoodies I have hanging by the front door and give them away to those whom I know I will come into contact with who WILL NEED THEM. I know it’s a small step and will not change the world, but it will change the temperature of a few people and show them the love of GOD. In this season of giving let us not look to our own needs, but consider others as more important than ourselves.
Prayer:
Father, this morning I pray that we can put ourselves aside. That we can love with that sacrificial kind of love. As we go shopping for gifts to give to our families, so that they can feel the love we have for them, let us consider all those who will be spending Christmas under a bridge with no one. My heart is broken. I can see how living for more than enough here on earth only leads to rot and decay. We want that selfless kind of love. The kind of love we see in the movie “Radio” when he takes what he was given for Christmas and gives it away. We want more of you GOD and less of ourselves. We want to be more like your son, who gave everything, who did not live for self but lived for others. We want to shine your light kicking down the gates with selfless sacrifice. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus, I pray, amen.