Humble Unity
Chapter 2 begins like this: “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.” Paul calls the Philippians, and all followers of Jesus, to a divine attitude of humility. This attitude goes against the sinful nature of selfishness. What would our world look like if everyone “esteemed others better than himself”? This would be amazing. Paul seems to believe, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that if we have the mind of Jesus (more detail in the next verse tomorrow) that we will have this humble unity. God will provide for us a divine unity that leads to humility. It’s natural to put your interests ahead of others. It’s supernatural to put other’s interests ahead of your own. Please spend a moment or two asking God to reveal how humility shapes your life and your relationships with others.