All for one...and One for all - Now, this is a recurring theme in the New Testament: the unity of believers. John 17 - Jesus' prayer describes a state of being one with each other and one with the Father; 1 Corinthians 1:10 - Paul exhorts about 'no divisions' and 'perfectly united in mind and thought;' 1 Peter 3:8 - Peter writes about living in harmony with one another...loving as brothers.
- How would this ('being one in spirit and purpose') look in our church? In the big 'c' Church?
A key ingredient to achieving this is what Paul describes next in Philippians 2:3-4 - humility. I love his definitions of what that means here: not indulging in 'selfish ambition or vain conceit, but consider others better than yourself.' He goes on, 'look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. In other words, "get over yourself and take care of someone else first for a change."
- I bet you've done this already today (especially if you're a mom). But, are there areas where 'selfish ambition' sets the course of action? How are you at 'considering others better than yourself?'
The next seven verses in chapter 2 (5-11) are some of the most precious in the Bible, I think. Take a minute to read them a few times right now. Let us know what phrase thrilled you the most, or convicted you, or encouraged you, OK?
There are many encouragements and convictions wrapped up in verses 5-11! Initially, verse 6 strikes my heart the most, convictingly: "Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God." How often do I seek justice for myself? (alot) How often do I TRULY give with no strings attached? (turns out its much harder in practice when I start to notice that something goes unreciprocated - even though I never intended to receive a return!) How much more did Jesus deserve his rightful place as God, all of the glory and power of that position, the respect, service and obediance of all, some reciprocation for his gifts and justice for what is fairly his? Much more than me!
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