Read Philippians 2:1-4

Last week, Paul’s words helped renew my perspective on suffering. This week, we’ll get to see his perspective on how we live the Christian life.

He starts this second chapter, reminding us that we, as Christians, are to be of one mind, under one love, one of our greatest aims should be unity.

Image Credit: Pettann, Creative Commons

I don’t know how much time you spend on the Internet, or reading other Christian blogs, but it is like a blood bath out there. Right now, there is a media storm around a pastor and some of the things he said years ago, and they’re ugly. Awful words that no Christian, let alone pastor should say. But he did. And those who disagree with his theology are sharing every bit of it, rubbing his nose in it, and making sure everyone knows about it.

We all saw the same thing happen with the World Vision controversy. We as Christians can be so mean to one another over our opinions and quite frankly, it’s embarrassing and sinful.

We don’t all have to agree with each other, but we should be able to disagree or confront sin in a loving way. We should hold unity above airing other people’s dirty laundry.

Paul is reminding us of that here, this problem is not new. It’s been around for ages, different camps within theology. However, he encourages us to be unified and to not only look to our own interests but to the interests of others.

These few verses get to the heart of the Christian life, we are called to humility, unity, and serving others. Our calling is to love and service.

We as Christian are to follow after the example our LORD Jesus gives in seeking unity and seeking others’ needs above our own.

Reflection

1. List Paul’s instructions for us as Christians in verses 2-4.

2. Look up the word humility and write the definition below.

3. Do you consider your needs or the needs of others more important? How can you live in a way that helps seek the good of others more than the good of your own self?

 

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