05/31/2020 - Humility Creates Unity - Philippians 2:1-4

Memorial Day has reminded us of sacrifice. We are thankful for those who have given their all for the country and people they love. Sacrifice never comes easy and that is why Paul's letter to the Philippians holds what might be the two most challenging verses for fallen humans. What do you think?   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 2:3-4 We are called to find ways to serve and bless our brothers and sisters in Christ. According to Paul this is the secret sauce to a healthy and thriving church. Simply put, humility creates unity. The church can be a fragile thing. Pride and arrogance on the part of a few can undermine what takes years to build and mature. So how do you get the resources to pursue the unity that comes from humility? Every one of those resources comes from Jesus. You can't be humble without contentment. Jesus gives us contentment. You can't be humble while being insecure. Jesus gives us security. You can't be humble without having a model. Jesus is our model. Jesus prayed for you and me. He prayed for those who would come to know him. Of all the requests he could make on our behalf, he asks this of the Father...   “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:20-21   You can't be humble without experiencing humility from others. Jesus will humble himself all the way to the cross so that you can believe he was sent by God!