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Daily eMail Devotional
Friday, February 26, 2010
Philippians 2:1-11 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.As you look around the church auditorium, Sunday morning during the service, you will notice many different people from many different backgrounds. We have a large military presence and even within that there are many differences. Within our church body we have Filipinos, Locals, Micronesians, Haoles, we have the Tweenagers, the young married couples, the singles, the teens, and the children. You have those who have been saved for decades and then perhaps for just over a month. You have those who can quote Scripture like it was written on the back of their hand and than those who could not find the book of Genesis if their life depended upon it. Praise God for the diversity! It means that God is using our church to reach different people from different walks of life but despite the differences God’s desire for us is to be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
God despite our differences desires for us to be unified as a church. God desires for us to be unified in the following ways according to verse 2:
likeminded – God’s desire for us is to be of the same mind. If we look at verse 5 of our passage it says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” What was in the mind of Christ? Well in verse 7 it tells us that He, “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant.” It would go a long way if we would learn to serve one another by setting aside our reputation and become a servant to each others needs and the needs of the church. Not seeking what we can get out of serving the Lord or from each other but rather seeking what we can do to serve the Lord and each other.
having the same love – Being such a diverse church we are going to have many differences in opinions. We will disagree on suits vs. wearing a barong, which branch in the military is superior, music, dress but despite these differences God desires for us to be united in love (I Corinthians 1:10).
being of one accord – This is interpreted into the Greek meaning co-spirited. That our souls would be in harmony beating together in tuned with Christ
of one mind – I believe this one can wrap all these up together. That we would be like an orchestra playing alongside each other under the leading of Christ.
We can learn so much from this passage and apply it not only in church but in our homes, place of employment, and in everyday life. Lastly if we look at verse 3, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” May we all strive to have humble views of ourselves and by doing so we will have more of a servant’s heart towards others. Let’s strive for a unified church. Since February is considered the love month let’s strive to spread love throughout our lives and by doing so I believe we will increase our unity.
Love you all!!!
Pastor Mike
Don't Forget -
