September 16, 2021 – Philippians 2,3

It has been so obvious in Paul’s letters that he is concerned about life in the church and how we relate to one another. Here, he counsels, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (2:3). And in this matter, our great example in all this is Christ himself. How he has loved us, his people! I think of Jesus’ words in John 13:34: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

Oh, to know Christ and to be like him! What was Paul’s mind on this? He tells us: “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (3:8). May I write it, again? Oh, to know Christ and to be like him!

Filled with the Spirit’s power, with one accord

the infant church confessed its risen Lord.

O Holy Spirit, in the church today

no less your power of fellowship display.

Now with the mind of Christ set us on fire,

that unity may be our great desire.

Give joy and peace; give faith to hear your call,

and readiness in each to work for all.

Widen our love, good Spirit, to embrace

in your strong care all those of every race.

Like wind and fire with life among us move,

till we are known as Christ's, and Christians prove. -- J. R. Peacey (1967)