“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” –Philippians 2:3
Paul commanded the Philippian church, “Complete my joy.” How? By being in unity of mind and love in the encouragement and comfort that is in Christ. Such loving unity in Christian relationships is imposed upon our own humility, which is exemplified by the mighty Christ who became a servant and obeyed the Father to His death on a cross. Christ the Head of the Church is most highly exalted through obedient humility.
Paul’s joy is completed in the church’s obedience to a loving unity in Christ. Any disciple-maker in Christ’s church greatly desires those under their care to be expert peace-makers in a local church encouraged and comforted in loving unity in Christ. A local church which enjoys a humble, peaceful, loving unity in Christ enjoys an atmosphere for the discouraged to be encouraged and the broken-hearted to be comforted as we endure many trials by faith. A faith which carries one another’s burdens by counting each other more important than ourselves.
The greatest threat to the health of my marriage, parenting, and relationships then is my pride. Selfishness is my main problem and greatest barrier to loving unity in Christ. What I despise about my selfishness in my relationships is when I do not get what I expect in my pride, I allow a pity party to flourish in my heart which fills my mind with grumpy, negative thinking. If such unhealthiness is permitted to be nourished in my prideful heart, I will be an injury to any encouragement or comfort in Christ to those around me.
God promises the Christian of joy of salvation restored to me (Psalm 51:12). Humility to count even the most frustrating Christian more significant than myself is a fruit of God’s grace to me. God’s gracious work of redeeming and transforming me comes in ceaseless gospel reminders. When pride gets in the way of such joyful sanctification, I must pause and ask if my mind is held captive to the pure excellence of Christ above or whether my selfishness is being served (Philippians 4:8). I examine my devotion time, prayer life, and time in His Word.
When the God of all comforts would encourage and comfort me, removing pride and producing the fruit of humility in me, then I am able to comfort others with the same gospel comfort (II Corinthians 1:3-4). Praise be to God who comforts me and Christ’s church with mercy.
Heavenly Father, forgive our pride and by Your Holy Spirit continue Your excellent, mighty redeeming work of transforming us be Your grace. Strengthen Your servants to consider each other’s interests above our own as Your blessed peacemakers encourage and comfort one another in Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
