Love For All – Week 42

Philippians 2:1-11

Aren’t we all supposed to be unique?

As humans we have this innate desire to be different. We all want to be recognized for something great. In the world this often manifests into people pursuing money, love, education, and trying out the latest Tik Tok trend. As humans we will try almost anything to stand out.

Yet in Philippians 2, as he discusses Christ’s example of humility, Paul calls it complete joy to share in unity of Christ.

Take a look at the scripture passage for this week — Paul writes:

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:1-11

As Christians we of course should celebrate the unique talents and spiritual giftings given to us by God. However, we as believers fall into danger when the idolatry of uniqueness and individuality pull us away from the unity found in the body of Christ.

Paul then gives readers an even stronger jarring by reminding each and every one of us, that Jesus did not consider himself or work for his own advantage, but rather took on the humility of mankind in order to share his kingdom with us.

For His Glory

We all want to be different, but what sets us apart and drives us to complete joy is Christ. Our God stands above all else. And as Paul reminds us, it’s all to the glory of God the Father.

As you consider this scripture and reflect this week, respond to the following questions:

1. What is my individuality building up others and the specifically the church?

2. Am I putting the Gospel above my preferences?

3. Do I care more about how people perceive me or about how people perceive Christ in my life?

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