Philipians 2:1-8
1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
“Be one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition…but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” This is the heartbeat of this passage. The example is given that Jesus Christ, though God, did not consider himself so high and mighty that he was beyond coming down to our world, even becoming one of us that through him we might experience the incredible gift of life and hope in relationship with God.
Paul is making an incredible plea with his audience to find joy in serving others, to walk in humility. Let us remember this cry today and join him in one spirit and purpose!
Father, give me grace to walk humbly with you.
Give me opportunities to serve and care for others.
Amen.