A walk through the Book of Philippians
June 18, 2024
Being like-minded
Philippians 2:1-4
Several days ago, my wife and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. Over the years, we have agreed on many things, while on others, we do not.
We are probably more like-minded than not. We both love to watch golf, Hallmark Channel, and Christmas movies and enjoy going to Disney World.
Yet there are many things we are not like-minded about. Kathy likes to read a lot, but I do not (except for devotions, Bible studies, and the Bible). I enjoy anchovies on my pizza; she does not. When we go shopping, I go in with a list and get what I need. She likes to browse.
One thing in particular we do agree on is our religious beliefs. In this instance, we are like-minded.
*******************The Point*****************
Let’s take a look at what the Apostle Paul says about being like-minded.
“Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in Spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Philippians 2:1-4
What’s Paul telling us in this passage?
He’s telling you and I to be Christ-like in everything we do.
Right from the get-go of this passage, Paul says that if we are united with Christ (Believe in Him and what He did for us), we should share His love and compassion with others.
Paul tells us to be like-minded. He asks us to have the same love (for each other that Christ has for us) and to be one in the Spirit (We should be about the Holy Spirit’s work who places gifts within our hearts and teaches us to be tender and compassionate to one another).
This is being like-minded. We should treat others compassionately, love others as Christ loves us, and share our gifts with others.
Finally, Paul tells us to be humble. It’s easy to be conceited because you think you’re better than someone at something. Paul calls for us to be humble-minded. Get rid of any pride or selfishness you may have and put other’s needs ahead of your own.
I’ve mentioned this saying by Lee Iacocca before:
God Come First
Family Comes Second
Work Come Third
Everything else comes after that.
Think about that for a moment.
Our relationship with Christ as our Lord and Savior comes first.
The needs of our family, including our love, directing them in the way of the Lord, and their needs are our responsibility, come second.
Our job, whether working in or outside the home, comes third.
Nowhere in those first three directions is there anything about you or me.
Our top priorities are the love of God, the needs and love of family, and working to support our families.
Be like-minded with Christ and others. Remember, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, showing that others should always come first.
Lord, please help us to overcome conceit, vanity, and self-centeredness. May we always be Christ-like in our lives by putting the needs of others ahead of our own.
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