Philippians 2:3, 4

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others ~ Philippians 2:3, 4


How sweet is the unity of Christ in a church! It makes the gathering of God’s people a pleasure, a reassurance of hope, an encouragement to the soul. Unity in Christ is heaven on earth. When a church is set against itself in its members through pride, ambition, and conceit, the morality of the church is destroyed and discouragement in Christian living becomes the disillusionment of the whole congregation. People wonder then if it is worth it to be a Christian, and they wonder what Christ really died for if we as “Christians” behave as the rest of the world around us. I have seen churches split, leaders leave and take followers with them, gossip becomes the norm, and people leave their faith behind. As Christ’s church, we are not to indulge in our own glory, but the glory of the Lord Jesus. We should not do anything to outshine someone else, by showing we have more talent, courage, or zeal for the things of God. We are to use our gifts, yes, but with humility so that God receives the praise. It is hard sometimes, I know, to put ourselves behind others in humility. Our “old man” still does rear his head at times in life. It is a daily battle to overcome him in our early years as a Christian, but with training and practice, and correction, we will learn that being a part of a church family means that we do put others before ourselves. The world looks at success as climbing the ladder, or putting others down, in destroying your opponent so that you can succeed. All these are completely opposite to what Jesus taught His disciples, and what He teaches us as modern day disciples. Jesus is the image of humility. He is our guide and our example. May all praise be to God!

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