40 Days Blog - Day 19
Paul writes Philippians as a spiritual father to a church he deeply loves whilst he is suffering. In chapter 2, we come to the crux of the letter, as he addresses the problem in the church….. division. Two prominent women leaders have fallen out, the result is tension, gossip, and fractured relationships which is spreading across the church. Paul handles it like a skilful line manager—gently identifying the problem, reminding them of their responsibilities, and pointing them to the right example.
Before addressing the conflict directly, Paul reminds the Philippians of their shared identity. If they are truly Christians, then three things should be evident in their lives;
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an upward focus—encouragement and love found in a relationship with Christ.
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an inward focus—fellowship with other believers through the Spirit.
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an outward focus —compassion for those in need.
His battle cry is a call to unity!
Paul provides the greatest example of how we should live, by describing how Jesus left the glory of heaven, took on human flesh, became a servant, and died on a cross. As we read it, one word stands out above all others: humility. The message is clear, unity is founded in humility and this is the path we are called to walk.
Andrew Murray famously stated “The humble person is not the one who thinks meanly of himself; he simply does not think of himself.” Ironically, humility is slippery, like a bar of soap, the moment you think you’ve grasped it, it slides out of your hands. The quickest way to lose humility is to become proud of having it. True humility shifts our focus away from self and toward Jesus and the needs of others. Such an approach would resolve so much conflict today!
The opposite of humility is pride and selfishness. Together they have the power to destroy unity with immediate effect. Like a house of cards, unity is built slowly but disunity can happen in a split second, leading to immediate collapse. The antidote is humility but it is not always easy. Leonard Bernstein once said, the hardest instrument to play in an orchestra is ‘second fiddle’! Yet that is precisely the posture humility embraces.
An important question is, How can I walk with humility today? Paul answers that for us in the passage; Look to Jesus, the servant king. Humbly worship Him. Humbly follow Him. Humbly serve Him and it’s there right in the middle of the path of humility that you will find true joy.
A Prayer
Lord, I thank you for the amazing picture of Jesus, the one who willingly gave up His place in heaven and came into the very earth He created willingly suffering on the cross for my sins. Please forgive me for the times when I have chosen pride over humility and damaged relationships as a result. Teach me your servant-hearted ways today.
Amen.
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