November 19, 2020
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Philippians 2:3
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves.
It you really want to see Christianity in action, here is your verse. Christians are supposed to put the needs of others ahead of their own. We are supposed to consider others as more important than ourselves. That is what Jesus did. He sacrificed his wants and needs for the rest of us. He didn’t want to be crucified. He didn’t want to die. He gave himself for us.
We see this in others. I cannot help but think of all the doctors, nurses and other health care workers who are putting themselves in harm’s way to care for us. I think of the military. Military personnel routinely put the needs and concerns of others before their own desires and needs, even putting their lives on the line. Firefighters, law enforcement and many others daily put our needs above their own safety. They forego time with their families so that we can be safe. I am sure some of them would love to be in lockdown with their families for a few weeks. Meanwhile, some of us complain about these measures. I think it is an insult to the people who are daily sacrificing for us.
This is the hard work of Christianity and I do not make light of it. It is human nature to think of oneself, but because of Christ and his sacrifice, we no longer have to operate at a mere human nature level. We have been given the grace of God. When Paul was faced with a personal challenge, Father God told him that His grace was sufficient to meet the need (2 Corinthians 12: 9). That is how Paul learned this important lesson so that he could convey it to us.
The reason I am writing this series on the Christian Model is so that you can protect and inform yourself regarding others. The verses I have sent this week and last present the model of Christianity and so by using them, we can inform ourselves of a person’s, or an organization’s, true intent. Jesus began this dialogue by informing us that wolves would present themselves to us disguised as sheep. We need tools to unmask them and it is precisely that which I have sent to you so that you can protect yourself and your family.
Today’s verse is in that same vein, but I find it turning the corner too. It begins to turn around and face me, challenging my own ethic. Am I the Christian I purport to be? Am I worthy of bearing Christ’s name? Maybe not, but this verse shows me the way. It is as clear a roadmap as one could require. If you critique yourself in light of this verse, I pray you fare well. However, we all can improve here so please, do not beat yourself up. This is an area the whole church should be growing in.
In conclusion, as you evaluate yourself don’t forget that this verse is important in the Christian model for dividing the wolves from the sheep. While we all may be self-interested to a greater or lesser degree, those who are self-important and who serve self rather than others are revealing their wolfish features. Beware these ravenous wolves for they will rend you if ever there is a choice between you and them. Learn to discern who is serving their interests rather than the interests of the whole or of others.
I believe this has been an important series, especially in this time of great challenge. All over the world people are dealing with abnormal levels of stress and need to know whom they can trust. We must be the church, the lovers of humanity. We must be Christ’s hands in this generation. There has never been a time when we have been more needed. Arise my beautiful Christian brothers and sisters and let the love of Christ be seen, felt, heard and witnessed the world over. Those of you outside the United States, though we are rooted over here, we don’t forget you for one moment. Our love and prayers are for you and your countries. May our dear Father bless you all.
