Like Jesus - June 15 Readings: Philippians 2

Today’s Readings

Context

This passage is another of my favorites. It says things that are shocking to our me-first, self-esteem culture. "Count others more significant that yourselves." Say what? The passage on the humility and exaltation of Jesus in verses 9-11 is one of the greatest in the NT! 

Devotional - Like Jesus

Paul cared about the glory of God, the proclamation of the gospel, the power of the resurrected Christ and the fullness of the Spirit. But one of the things he cared most about, as a result of those truths, was the unity of the Body of Christ. It glorified God, it was one purpose of the gospel - to redeem ONE Body, and it was a work of the Holy Spirit. It was one of the most common themes of his writings.

We see that in Philippians 2:1-11. Because of the mercies and comfort of God and because of the work of the Spirit, he called on the church to:

"...complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:2-4 

What would bring Paul bliss would be if the church were of the same mind (that doesn't mean they always have to agree, but that they agree to put Christ first), unite in love for God and for one another and to live in one accord. Again, that does not imply any kind of forced uniformity or suppression of various opinions. It means a united will to make Christ known and to encourage one another in the Body of Christ.

The second phrase, in verse 3, is a shocking one. We are not to act out of selfishness of any form, but are to "count others more significant than yourselves." That runs directly contrary to the "you have to love yourself first" mentality that predominates in this world. We are not to assert ourselves or put ourselves first, but to honor one another. Each of us should see ourselves as servants among royalty, humble and devoted to the other's success. That is what verse 4 says, that we ought to see the interests of others, not just our own.

Paul makes it clear (1 Corinthians 3, Romans 14) that we will stand before God to have our lives as believers reviewed. I believe that the basis of that review will primarily be our obedience to that verse. Jesus' life and ministry was all about serving others. Who is a spiritual success as a result of my ministry in his or her life? Who have I encouraged? Helped to lift up when they were fallen? Led to walk with Christ? Instructed in the full counsel of God? Our lives are measured in the lives of those we serve in the name and by the power of Christ.

Verses 6-11, thought by some to be the remnants of an early hymn sung in the NT church, describe Jesus as the model of this selflessness. He left heaven and sacrificed his lofty position to come to earth in humility and die for the redemption of sinners. God then exalted him to the highest place which he occupies today and bestowed on him that Name he always deserved.

We must, by the Spirit's power, follow after the example of Jesus and give up our status, our ambitions, our goals, hopes and dreams to serve others as Jesus did. We must have the mind of Christ.

Father, may I be like Jesus Christ, who gave up his own glory and served others in your name. 

Think and Pray

Self-centeredness is directly contrary to the way of Christ. Do you live for self or for Christ and others? Think through your life and consider this question carefully.