Meeting 8/1/20
Phil. 2:1-4
Ah, there's nothing like the fruit of spiritual unity. It's a heavenly thing when another person or group catches the same fire you have. And you know it's only made possible by God. Man cannot manipulate or orchestrate unity. It's only by the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit that lives, moves, and has His being in us! The effect of such causes us to be in awe and wonder of God. It inspires worship. It strengthens our belief. It encourages our hearts. It's simply an amazing thing to discover and witness.
On the other hand, we all know the dry, discouraging situation where it feels as if no one is getting it. Responses are dull or nill. The fire has gone cold. Apathy and disinterest abound. Distractions and diversions are there. Perhaps, even persecution or competition is fueled out of selfish ambition. At any rate, there's just no unity. Others are spouting off their own opinions and refusing to come together for the communal focus of Jesus. Maybe they are focusing on peripheral points, such as style of worship, organizational aspects, or methods of operating an institution. It's easy to feel alone in these situations.
So Paul is once again imploring them to be of the same mind. And that entails thinking less of themselves and more about others. It's the ministry of Jesus played out. It's faith in action. Looking out for the interests of others is proof of their love growing and abounding in knowledge and depth of insight, as he prayed in chapter one. He is reemphasizing love here as the calling. When we make important to us what is important to God, unity happens. Jesus has called us to love God and love other people. That's it. Keep It Simple Stupid. Follow the example of Jesus. Stop fretting and quarreling over drivel and silliness. Let it go. Get your focus back on the main thing. And oh, the wonderful and powerfully encouraging satisfaction when we all get on the same page. It's a beautiful thing. And He will honor our faith. Bet on it.
