Freedom Calls

As children of the one true God, saved by Grace and Faith in Jesus Christ, we are called to live out our lives in unity with one another, demonstrating the love and humility that Christ has shown us. In Philippians 2:1-8, Paul exhorts us to make our joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, and 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. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Unity: Paul writes to the Philippian church, urging them to “make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (v. 2). This unity is not merely a surface-level agreement on certain doctrines or practices but rather a deep-seated oneness that stems from sharing the same Spirit and having the same heart for Christ.

This kind of unity is essential because it reflects the nature of God Himself, who exists as three persons in perfect harmony and cooperation. As we become more like Christ, we should also strive to live in unity with one another, recognizing that our diverse gifts and perspectives are meant to be used for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

Humility: In verse 3, Paul tells us not to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.” This is a call to humility, which is the antithesis of self-promotion and boasting. Instead, we are to value others above ourselves, putting their needs before our own (vv. 4-5).

Jesus himself is held up as the ultimate example of humility in these verses. Although he was “in very nature God,” he did not cling to his divine privileges but instead took on the form of a servant and humbled himself to the point of death on a cross (vv. 6-8). This kind of self-emptying love is what we are called to emulate as followers of Christ.

Selflessness: The concept of selflessness is closely tied to humility, as it involves putting others before ourselves. In Philippians 2:4, Paul writes that we should “look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others.” This means that we should be willing to sacrifice our time, energy, and resources for the benefit of those around us.

Jesus exemplifies this kind of selflessness in his willingness to lay down his life for the salvation of others. He did not come to be served but to serve, and he calls us to follow his example (Matthew 20:28). As we live out our faith, we should seek to demonstrate a similar level of selflessness and concern for the well-being of those around us.

In summary, Philippians 2:1-8 presents a powerful call to unity, humility, and selflessness. These qualities are not optional for Christians but rather essential if we are to reflect the character of Christ and live in harmony with one another. May these truths challenge and encourage us as we seek to follow Jesus in our daily lives.