Suddenly you accepted Jesus as Savior and became "united with Christ" (Philippians 2:1). You are a pearl of great price added to that 'necklace' God is crafting - Jesus being the thread that unites each one (see Matthew 13:45-46).Each 'pearl' has its own qualitites and to be honest, its own flaws. When we convert the pearl idea to human beings, the qualities and flaws being abruptly thrown together with other believers is a recipe to diaster and conflict. The apostle Paul realized this. Thus his several expressions of
"one spirit," "being united," "being like-minded," same love," and "being one in spirit and purpose" (Philippians 1:27; 2:1-3).
This reminds me of a book I recently read. It's entitled, Creating a Healthier Church and is written by Ronald W. Richardson. He starts out telling of two different churches, which on the same Sunday morning before service time, had a major maintainance problem to deal with. The way each church handled their respective situation was totally opposite; one that worked together for positive outcome and the other, rigidity, misunderstanding and unfavorable outcome with many toes stepped on and ill-feeling against one another.
Richardson used two terms: fusion and differentiation. What I understand (but could be wrong), I'll briefly define. 'Fusion' being a mostly negative scenario which involves a lot of 'self' while 'differentiation' is mostly postive, objective and thinking of others, working as a united team and not worrying whether it was on your job description or not, working towards a favorable purposed outcome.
What the apostle Paul lovingly prayed for was this differentiation. Believers looking out for
"the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4).
When you suddenly have so many different people thrown together - those from different families, environments, birth orders, experiences and degree of 'wickedness', or addiction, albeit saved by grace, yes, but only just beginning on that road of progressive sanctification, sticky situations could ensue. There could be the tendancey towards looking only toward ones own interests.
The better way is in the attitude of humility. When each individual takes responsibility for their own attitude, molding it to like-mindedness but especially to Christ Jesus' attitude, greater unity in Christ can potentially be promoted.
When brothers and sisters-in-Christ imitate Christ, there will be the virtue of humility. This attitude thinks of themselves less and more of others. It's like that definition of C.S. Lewis' about humility...
"True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less."
This is exactly what Jesus did and you can read about it in Philippians 2:1-11. Jesus who is God, came to earth but did not consider Himself equal status to God even though He was, and still is. This makes me think that no matter what position we have in life, that when we come together with other believers at church, that we leave our 'titles' and accolades outside in the car or at home. Jesus left His in Heaven.
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, Son of God, the almighty King of kings and Lord of lords, took the nature of a servant! A servant. Think that through. This is such a characteristic of humility. Definitely not thinking of self.
Rather, Jesus came as a human being baby, He was
"found in appearance as a man".
As a created being instead of the Creator He is. Do you find it mind-boggling to ponder upon? Jesus fully God showed up as "fully man".
We are often rebellious human beings but Jesus was always obedient to His Father's will. He was
"obedient to death - even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8).
Mind you, this was not a robotic obedience. No, Jesus' fully man part struggled in the Garden of Gethsemane but came through declaring,
"...not my will but yours be done" (Luke 22:39-46).
He was thinking of Himself less and more of those He had come to save. As one Zac Poonen of India has reputedly said,
"Sin came through the pride of Lucifer but salvation came through the humility of Jesus".
Jesus, is our perfect example of humility. He was humble and had the attitude of humility. This, Paul so wanted the Philippian believers to be and to have. Let us too, enshroud ourselves with an attitude of humility. Allow humility to be infused into our beings so we will indeed be one in spirit and purpose, working together for the glory of God and Jesus Christ.
This Lord's Day, give thanks for Jesus' humility and what it accomplished for us. Keep in mind that He did this for you, for me and the "whosoever will". Partake of the broken bread and drink of the cup of wine in grateful thanks, learning to be of the same mind and attitude of Christ Jesus.
Lay a deep foundation of humility in order to build a strong bond of unity with fellow-believers and so build each other up in their most holy faith, creating a strong church or assembly to honor our Savior and Servant and to be more like Jesus in our attitude, thinking more of others, and of ourselves, less.
Father God, we need to bow our knees to You in humble attitude, confessing the name of Jesus whom You've now exalted to the highest place and have given Him a name that is above every name. He is our Supreme Example of humility and we give You our thanks and praise.
Thank you for giving us Jesus the Servant King and Savior, whom we can now follow and for uniting us with Him! May we each have such humility too and be one in spirit and purpose for Your Kingdom. Thank-You for Your Holy Spirit's empowerment for so doing.
In Jesus' most powerful name we pray and remember through the breaking of bread, this Lord's Day.
~ERC September 2023~
Based on Philippians 2:1-11 NIV.
Sing, Show Me Your Ways, along with Darlene Zschech and Hillsong.
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