Humility

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. – Philippians 2:3, NKJV –

What kind of person are you? This might be one of the most important questions you ever ask yourself when considering the topic of Christian unity. At the end of the day, who you are matters far more than strategies and techniques you employ. In the long run, what you do will always be a product of who you are, which means who you are is the key factor in determining what you will think, feel, and do. Please ask yourself, then, are you a humble person? By the grace of God, are you learning to regard others as more important than yourself? Few things will exert greater influence upon the quality of your relationships in the body of Christ. It will determine whether or not you live in unity other Christians.

Though Jesus Christ is God, He did not come to earth demanding honor and glory. Rather, He “made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7, NKJV). Though the object of heavenly praise for thousands of years, He became the object of human scorn. Though a divine King and Lord, Jesus took on the frame of a human servant and died in the place of sinners. The ultimate humiliation. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we become one with Him and one with our fellow believers, but only because Jesus first humbled Himself to point of death on a cross. Our unity with Him is the direct result of His humility.

Scripture commands us, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2;5: NKJV). Observing the example of Jesus is not enough. We must follow it. No longer do we pursue selfish ambition. We seek the good of others. No longer do we esteem ourselves as more valuable than others, we esteem others as better than ourselves. This was the pattern of Jesus’ life. It is to be the pattern of our lives. The Word of God commands it. The Spirit of Christ dwelling in us compels it. Unity requires it.

Take the time each day, therefore, to consider the welfare of others. Exert energy being low in your own mind. Your wretched condition is the primary thing you contributed to your salvation. You were an enemy of God. You despised and scorned God. Yet God loved you and sent His Son to die in your place. The Holy Spirit gave you spiritual eyes to see and ears to hear. The only reason you believe, the only reason you stand forgiven, the only reason for your adoption into the family of God is His grace toward you in Christ. This should humble you. This should help you think less of yourself, more of God, and more of your neighbor. This should motivate you to set aside selfish ambitions, follow Jesus, and give your life to the glory of His name and the good of His church. Be a humble person and your will live a unifying life.