Philippians 2:1-11 Consider Others More

Philippians 2:1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with 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 purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Be 'like-minded' with each other, and demonstrate the mindset (v5) of Christ.  Uh oh!  I smell some division brewing in the pages ahead (oh yes, I peeked)  We expect it in the world, but sadly we see it in the church as well.  Like a Dad watching his kids fight, Paul is pleading with them.   "Did Christ ever encourage you, comfort you, love you, show you compassion?, then do me a favor.... make my joy complete... be humble and serve each other.     Paul pleaded out of love, for them to be united.  The enemy has a 'field day' when there is division.  We all know it happens: jockeying for position, looking for titles, seeking the praise of others.... ugh.... it's gross and we are all guilty at some point.  Paul tells them the opposite of what our pride tells us.  

He takes aim at their ego and pleads for their unity.  Paul reminds them of the ultimate example.  From the highest height to the darkest depth, the King of Creation, left His throne, came to dwell with sinful man who would mock, torture and crucify Him.  His perfect holiness was covered in our sin as God's wrath is poured out on Him in our place.  Just his 'little reminder' (ouch), ya know, in case we think we are 'too cool' to be humbled. 

While they're suffering persecution from the outside, seems there may be some sparks flying on the 'home front' as well.  James says (ch 4v1) that quarrels come from our selfish desires... that 'me first' mentality. We should be 'putting out fires' in the church, not running around with matches. Do nothing, not-a-thing, out of selfish ambition.

In 2 Corinthians 11:28 Paul reminds the church that of all his many afflictions, persecutions and imprisonments, there is this daily heartache of concern for the churches.  It is not a burden he carries once in a while but every day...  every - single - day.... an ache that probably no one else even notices. That's why he pleads.

Paul reminds us of that 'humble servant thing' again. It won't come if we are all seeking our best interest or pushing our own agenda. The One who was 'in the beginning with God' (John 1:2), made Himself as nothing (v7), allowed Himself to be humbled to the point of death in His final act of sacrifice. He didn't consider Himself 'too cool' to be humbled the way He was.... neither did the imprisoned apostle who wrote this ...  and so, neither should we. Let's park that 'high horse' we rode in on, be united as one, consider others' needs first.