Joy Grows in Community
For Meditation (Rick Hutton)
The church in Philippi found their strength in the unity that comes from their oneness with Jesus Christ. We have that same sources of strength, but it is constantly being put to the test in obvious and subtle ways which push us toward disunity and division. Paul knew this was true for the Philippian Christians and it’s true for us as well. That’s why Paul said for the church at Philippi to make his joy complete by being likeminded to be of one spirit and of one mind (2:2). This is what we’re called to as well.
We’re bonded together in Jesus as one while remaining uniquely ourselves. Unfortunately, we tend to focus on the “uniquely ourselves” aspect more than we look to the bond we have with one another and it’s from here that the likelihood of division grows. But Paul tells us what we can do so as to keep the unity we have and from that unity grow in joy.
Verses 3 and 4 tell us not to do anything selfishly or for our own glory but to put others needs ahead of our own, caring more about others’ interests than we do our own. This is a hard word, but it’s here where we see unity hold and joy grow. As we look to others’ needs and their interests being taken care of and attended to we grow in joy because of the joy they experience. Can you imagine what it would be like to be part of a community in which the needs of each person was being met through the actions of the others around them?
For our joy to grow it takes community united around the good news of Jesus Christ, our shared experience of his grace in our lives and a humility to put others before ourselves.
As you prepare for worship this week, think about these things:
When you hear the word “humility,” what is your immediate reaction? Why do you think you responded that way?
Think about some of the other Christians that you know. Have you seen the unity that comes from being one with Christ draw you closer together?
What are some of the things that you’ve found leading you toward division with your brothers and sisters in Christ? Are those things greater or less than the unity of the gospel?
How can you look to the interest of others more than your own? Who will you talk to about this to help you do it?
How can serving one another lead to joy in a/our community?
Philippians 1:27-30
Therefore 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, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 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.