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The Unity and Humility In Pursuit of Identity in Christ

Philippians 2:1-5
1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Thanks be to God, it's Friday again! I pray and hope that everyone truly bear the identity of Christ in our lives as we all imitate Him in all aspects of our lives. Some have just encountered some problems in their works, finances, relationships, studies, etc; and yet, our neighbors have noticed the joy is radiating from us and remain positive despite of the mood of these situation. I firmly believe, because we keep our faith in Christ and that He is true to His promises all the time. I know that we have our own individual encounter and experience of the goodness of Christ and the working power of Holy Spirit in our lives. 

Problems are everywhere. Even those who belong in the body of Christ have no exception to it. To many, their normal responses is to panic, to blame, and/or to retaliate if there is an opportunity. But in the example of Christ, He allow the process to go through and let the will of God prevail, radiating His Glory in the end. Christ was restored and He also did the same to those who lives in fear and in the full conviction of sins. Christ set this example for His body (the churches) to follow the same as we ask everyone to fully submit to Christ, commit their lives to Him, and receive the inheritance He promised to us. 

There are two characters of God which are exemplified by His Will --- the Unity and the Humility. Christ is His Divine form allow Himself to be an instrument for ultimate Salvation of all humankind. The Almighty Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit always work together in unity but with full humility within their group, from creation to redemption to salvation. The Tri-union person of God works with submission to one another, committing to the works agreed, and inheriting all the Glory and Greatness due for them. These characters are of great example to the body of Christ as well as we pursuit the righteousness of Christ, the identity of which He has given to those who believed in Him. 

Paul gave this encouragement to us, to be of the same mindset as Christ Jesus (Phils 2:6-8). Paul reiterates that the Body of Christ, no matter what position or work we are doing, we must be reminded of this act of humility. 

a. (v3a) Do Nothing Out of Selfish Ambition or Vain Conceit.

Church is one venue for people to group themselves and establish a community. In a secular view, the group can be another social group where people gathers as they have common interests that they enjoy when meeting together. In spiritual view, the group is rather called to work in accordance with purposes revealed as a result of Divine intervention. The former can be present in the latter, but not the other way around. Because the latter is directed and establish by the Will of God while the former is the self ambition of higher authoritative person or group of persons (factions) in the group. It may not be selfish, but it neglecting the others who disagree. 

Paul advises that the very intention of making any decision especially in the body of Christ must not be a product of selfishness and conceit. It is of no benefit to the body of Christ if pride and arrogance will prevail, thus, will lead to the destruction of each members. Any part of the body of Christ that will be in pain will be felt by whole of the body. Paul wants us to be very careful especially in this kind of relationship with our fellow brethren. As Christ to Church shows love to us, we are also doing the same starting from self to the whole body of Christ. Only consider those that will benefit the whole body of Christ as approved and directed by God through the guidance of the Holy Spirit as exemplified by Christ.      

b. (v3b) Value Others Above Yourselves.

To negate the worldly understanding that we are the highly valued member of the body of Christ, this rule is of great help. Looking into the value of others always above self. With such mindset, the acts as a result of our decisions (especially if the decision is confirmed to be from God) will not cause any harm to the loving relationship Christ has establish to the whole of the group. What else could have been done to avoid get the unity of the body of Christ. Where there are disagreement, it does not mean that there is no unity. The united actions must be achieved no matter how hard a decision will be. The united actions, when agreed, will reflect the humility as imitation of Christ in His body. 

This simple rule will test the relationship of unity and humility, where both attitudes exhibit the mind of our God; (v2) ... "being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind."

c. (v4a) Not Looking To Your Own Interests

Common to every decision, the interest of decision makers is proportional to their agreement, but not to God. The Godly decision even if it's unpopular and will not inherit any glory at first and not obvious, is to the benefit of whom the decision is intended to. Even God when delivering a message, includes promises for hope and warnings for consequences of every actions and decision. God always consider His people welfare, even if it's a discipline, if that is the direction He is leading them to. He did not simply ask them to do anything that is out of their free will. Rather, He always deliver the message with love, justice, and faithfulness. 

Anyone who belong in the body of Christ should look into the value of others as if God looks at His creation. If God's desire is to save every soul, so must we. Let the judgement of God comes as it intends to, but none of us have to pass on the judgement to others. The beauty of every soul was woven beautifully by God, we have to see such beauty in the eyes of each of our fellow brethren in Christ always. 

d. (v4b) Looking to the Interest of Others

To negate selfishness means selflessness. This is the remedy for the hungry souls which were entrusted to us. This rule is so loud to say that forget of ourselves when serving others, otherwise, we are just serving ourselves. Anyone who want to lead others in Christ, must be led by His examples as well. He submit to the will of the Father in Heaven to save human souls, no matter how stubborn the people are against God. Jesus still consider the benefit of these souls to know and acknowledge their creator, to be restored in the broken relationship, to be redeemed through Christ Humility and in unison with Almighty Father plan of redemption, and to live a holy life as Holy Spirit manifest to us every single day. 

The moment we look to the interest of others in accordance to God's will and purpose, our selfishness will decrease and the selflessness of Christ which He has shown to us will grow vertically making no room for any sins to enter in our lives or the lives of others. 

Therefore, as we enjoy this weekend and meet our fellow brethren in Christ, let us encourage one another to be united in Christ and desire to have a mindset like Him. 

God bless you all and have a wonderful weekend!
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