Philippians 2:1-4 says, “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.”
Paul’s central thought is simple, “Only in Christ are real unity and job possible. With Christ as your model of humility and service, you can enjoy a oneness of purpose, attitude, goal, and labor—a truth which Paul illustrates from his own life, and one the Philippians desperately need to hear.” Within their own ranks, fellow workers in the Philippian church are at odds, which hinders the work in proclaiming new life in Christ. We sometimes “get in our own way” which causes us to be splintered in relation to the church, our family, our business, or any organization we are connected.
An old football coach once said, “It takes everyone to be #1!” We are not trying “win” anything other than souls for Christ. We can understand the importance of working together and not pulling apart. We should always be united when it comes to Scripture and strive to obey (live a consistent life in submission to Christ). We should work to avoid division in relation to creating barriers between us and the work of the church.
The text for this article reminds us to seek unity through humility like Christ. Paul is encouraging the church at Philippi to reflect Christ-like qualities. We can learn that we are to look inwardly to find these qualities in our own life and seek to express them outwardly to others. How can we be united? John 17:21, “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You: that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent me.”
