Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Philippians 2:3 KJV
The Context and Focus:
As always, it is important to set out the purpose and focus of the verse, so we can determine the scope and depth of its impact on us. The verses just before today's extract lay it out: "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...". As I take stock of my life today, can I say, of a truth, that these verses truly define me? Am I truly at one with Christ, comforted by His love, with an affinity or relationship with the Holy Spirit, and His fruit being made manifest in and through me? It is easy to speak the language of church, particularly when you have been in there for some time, but there comes a time when the fruit has to show. As men come in contact with me, can it be said of me that I am God's child, His earthly representative and ambassador, and one who can be trusted with the treasures of His grace? This is critical, and has to be established before I can even think of the verse above.
The Message:
If indeed I am God's child, my life will be a daily reflection of that truth. The encouragement for me is that God will supply the grace required for me to look like Him. As I trust him, and you trust Him to work in us that which is perfect and in line with His will, imagine the power at work in us individually, and the resultant impact on our corporate fellowship, the flow of grace in our community and the unity of spirit and mind, which will make the work of God expand and increase all around us. It is hard for God to move in a place where there is no surrender to His will. It is hard to see God at work in me if I am not first under his total influence, control and direction. In fact, it will be safe to say that even though God is limitless and powerful beyond measure, He has given me power to either accept or reject His rule over my life. I have to accept the demands of God's kingdom if I am to enjoy its benefits. Citizenship confers responsibilities and benefits on all who are subject to a particular kingdom; as it is in the physical, so is it in the spiritual.
The Conclusion:
When the above is settled without a doubt in my life, then can the demands of today's verse ring true, when nothing is done to promote self or to seek glory for myself. If self is dead, how can it be exalted in me? If God is in total control, where is the room for pride? At the heart of strife and conflict in the church could be misunderstandings, hurt feelings, open conflicts or just pure pride. It is human nature to feel you are better than most people, and to resent those who appear to be better off than you. The fact that it is church does not mean the devil will not try to exploit our humanity, but as we surrender to the Lord of the church, and ask Him to change us from within, his work in us will definitely manifest on the outside of us. When I do not seek glory for myself, but I am quick to lift others up, God will definitely be able to move and do great things in our lives. With humility comes honour, and as I seek to help other people, seeing them as God does, God's grace is made manifest in and through me, and men are moved to know and follow Christ. Would you let Him work in and through you? God's time of favour is here.
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