Don’t you think conflict often arises from competition? “I’m better… I know more…and I’ll prove it.” Paul’s writings put the brakes on that kind of comparison.
“If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit…make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself (or herself)…Have this attitude in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:1-7 emphasis mine).
That’s, as they say, a reality check! How many of us would fight and wrangle with each other if we had this reminder weekly, if not daily? I’m not to compare myself with you or anyone else, but to Christ, Himself. He came to be a “bond-servant.” His suffering was for me and others like me, so that I can have oneness with Him and with those who accept Him by faith. This week I had to practice just that.
Feeling wronged and misunderstood, I tried to work it out. But was met with more misunderstanding. The only way this relationship made any progress that time was when humility came to the fore. No competition or proving who’s better… knows more… is in the right. Just humbling with the Spirit’s help. He’ll sort the rest out later.
How many divorces would take place in our culture if husbands and wives took these words to heart? How offended would each of us be if we had regard for the other above our own empty conceit? Selfishness sinks relationships, whether it’s between those united in marriage, parent and child, sister and brother, or friend to friend. With the Holy Spirit’s help, I know I’ve been humbled again and again in relationships—even those with difficult people, those who don’t deserve my humility.
Christ’s Spirit stills my churning heart, smoothes my ruffled feathers, and puts me in my place, with Him. “Let it go, dear one. Don’t grasp at superiority or even equality. I know how it feels and am right here.” That, I believe, is my consolation of love and fellowship of the Spirit. As I choose the high road, the righteous path, I feel His joy washing over me. My one purpose is to follow my Lord and let Him unite my Spirit with Him and others, as much as I’m able. And I’m able only because He is.
If He can empty Himself of deity and take on human flesh, I can empty myself of fleshly ways (selfishness) and take on His divine Spirit (sacrifice). It’s really better in the long run. By His grace, I’ll keep choosing humility of mind and expression, rather than grasping.
Dirty Feet
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, complete this work in and through us. It’s really never finished this side of heaven. I lay my lie at your feet, because of the cross you bore for me. Take my selfish drives each time they assert themselves and replace them with servant-hood. Let me also wash feet, both of those I dearly love and those of my enemies. You hold the basin and towel, and I kneel down to touch dirty feet. I have dirty feet, too. In Your gracious name, Amen.
Amazing Love
I’m forgiven, because You were forsaken,
I’m accepted; You were condemned.
I’m alive and, well, Your Spirit lives within me,
Because You died and rose again.
Amazing love, how can it be
That You, my King, would die for me?
Amazing love, I know it’s true
It’s my joy to honor You.
In all I do, I honor You.
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