June 25
“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others,” Philippians 2:1-4.
In these verses, the apostle Paul is urging the Philippians to demonstrate their Christian unity, humility, and compassion. “If there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,” then demonstrate it in the way you live by word and deed. Paul says, “Reveal the consolation in Christ, the comfort of love, the fellowship of the Spirit, the affection and mercy, and then I will rejoice that we are like-minded, have the same love, are of one accord and of one mind.” These Christian virtues should show that we are like-minded – we are united with the same love, and we are of one accord and one mind.
The apostle warns against selfish ambition and conceit. We should not be driven by personal pride and think only of furthering our own interests and welfare. Beware of conceit – of having a high opinion of yourself – which drives you to seek those things that are only to your own advantage, and often acquired at the expense of others.
The apostle’s call is for true humility, which realizes that pride precedes a fall. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall,” Proverbs 16:18. Other consequences of sinful pride are embarrassment, shame, and strife. “A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor,” Proverbs 29:23. “When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom,” Proverbs 11:2. “By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom,” Proverbs 13:10. The apostle Peter wrote, “All of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble,” 1 Peter 5:5.
Some of the church fathers have said that pride with jealousy and envy was the first sin committed by the evil angels or devils. They said that the devils wanted to be like God! The consequences of pride and arrogance are seen all around us in the world.
We are admonished to live “in lowliness of mind,” with a genuine spirit of humility which gives serious thought for the welfare of others. “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” This is not asking you to invade the privacy of your neighbor. This is not asking you to make things your business which are none of your business. The apostle is asking you to fulfill the Law of God that says, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” Matthew 19:19. Paul is speaking of fulfilling the words of the Lord Jesus, “Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets,” Matthew 7:12.
In summary, live the faith that you confess. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another; even as God in Christ forgave you,” Ephesians 4:32.
“Let us ever walk with Jesus,
Follow His example pure;
Flee the world, which would deceive us,
And to sin our souls allure.
Ever in His footsteps treading,
Body here, yet soul above;
Full of faith and hope and love,
Let us do the Father’s bidding.
Faithful Lord, abide with me;
Savior, lead, I follow Thee.” Amen.