Within scripture, in the book of Philippians, the church is encouraged to seek the joy of Christ. However, the division and conflict within the church at this time was threatening all of that. Within many groups today, there are those that consider themselves more important than others and look out for themselves first and foremost. The problem is we just try to mask that reality.
This is short-changing the church, the Bride of Christ. It is impacting our relationship with God.
In Philippians 2 we see this encouragement to experience the joy of Jesus in all that we do, calling us to be united in our pursuit to be like Jesus.
We are called to be so focused on Jesus that we will have one mind, one heart, and one devotion for him. When Jesus is our greatest joy, it will impact every connection we have in this life – from the easier ones to the harder ones too.
Philippians 2 champions the reality that Jesus is the best example of this, by walking us through the equality that Jesus shared with God himself, but in humility, left that equality behind – and that Jesus became human.
He did not divide himself from others, and he never used his divinity or divine power for his own personal gain. Rather, Jesus lived and died to unite people to God, and thus, to one another. We are to have this desire and mindset. But how?
Philippians 2 says to focus on what Jesus has done: the encouragement from being united with Christ. The comfort of his love. The commonality of the spirit. Tenderness. Compassion. If you are experiencing difficulty being united with others, the first thing to do is to focus on what Christ has done for you both.
Then, Philippians 2 tells us to try and reflect and reproduce the love and attitude of Jesus – proving that the love of Jesus is alive in you, impacting the way you treat others. There are many areas in which people disagree. There are many opinions we may have about various matters. But focus on what we have in common and seek to emulate that love of Jesus.
If we are truly passionate about the good news of Jesus, about salvation in Christ alone, then that will mean we value others well. Jesus, who was fully God, became fully man, and was obedient to death on a cross.
He rose again, was exalted on high, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow. When we put others ahead of ourselves or serve others, we are not losing our own nature or personhood but instead acting as Jesus did – reflecting him to the world around us.
If the way we relate to others matters to God, then seek to follow Jesus – in doing that, you will reflect Jesus’ attitude and action in how we relate to others.
Nick Emery is lead pastor at Hope Crossing Community Church.