The
Philippian Christians aroused such joy in Paul that he continually
thanked God for them
(Phil. 1:3).
They comprised a model church, except for a hint of discord that gave
the apostle concern. The trouble was nothing like that at Corinth. But
even a healthy church can become unraveled if small snags are
unattended. Paul wisely treated the problem as a danger, but not as an
emergency. He did not issue rebukes or thunder threats. He gently urged
the Philippians to follow principles that promote like-mindedness in a
congregation
(Phil. 2:14).
The Basis of Like-Mindedness
"Therefore" ties the like-mindedness to the preceding
exhortation
(Phil. 1:27).
Their standing "fast in one spirit, with one mind striving for the faith
of the gospel" was what Paul wanted most to hear about them. The motives
on which he based his appeal to this end are introduced by four "if's"
(Phil. 2:1).
The conjunction here does not express doubt but assured certainty.
Anchoring his plea in facts they knew to be true, he poured out his
heart in fervent eloquence, urging on them the highest possible duty.
The facts are fundamental. "Consolation in Christ" is the comfort one
receives by assurance of union with him. Christians breathe the
atmosphere of Christ, and none can do this without genuine affection for
the Lord and his people. "Comfort of love" is the encouragement love
brings and which we share with all who are in Christ. The "fellowship of
the Holy Spirit" is our participation in the Spirit's influence through
his word dwelling in and guiding us to fruitful lives
(Gal. 5:22, 23).
"Affection and mercy" are also valued blessings the Philippians knew.
The aim of Paul's exhortation was the completion of his
joy
(Phil. 2:2).
This was not merely for his personal benefit, but his joy
was so entwined with the joy of Christ that he knew what made him glad
made Christ glad. But as great as Paul's joy in them was, it would not
be full until he knew they were truly "like-minded." The word means "to
think the same thing" and is the general word for harmony. It is
followed by two specifics. (1) There is unity of affection: "having the
same love." Love will not survive unless it is mutual. (2) There is
unity of sentiment: "being of one accord." This means to be of "one
soul; having your souls joined together . . . (and) acting together as
if one soul actuated" the body (Albert Barnes).
"Of one mind" repeats the idea of harmony in stronger
form and gives it greater emphasis. The unity enjoined is deeper than
common belief, harmonious worship, or mutual work. As important as these
are, they must be coupled to a unity of feeling. Ephesus shows that a
church may be one in faith and practice but fall short of the inner bond
of love that is essential to true oneness in Christ
(Rev. 2:2-4). The Lord prayed for unity that is more than
form (John 17:20, 21).
The Qualities of Like-Mindedness
"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition"
(Phil. 2:3).
Christians, as members of Christ's body, must not act
according to faction, or in separate interests. Neither should they act
in opposition to or in competition with one another, whether as
individuals or a party. Rivalry among Christians has no place in the
service of Christ. There are two ways to do a good work: through strife
and through love
(Phil. 1:15-17).
What Paul has in mind is the modesty of self-assessment
that is learned at the feet of Jesus.
"Let nothing be done through . . . conceit." Empty pride
or vain glory is meant. Conceit is the spirit that moves one to boost
himself and put others down. Vanity and discord are common bedfellows
for vanity creates discord. It can ruin a marriage, a family, or a
church. "Christ came to humble us, and therefore let there not be among
us a spirit of pride" (Matthew Henry).
Each Christian is to be characterized by "lowliness of
mind." This is the opposite of self-seeking and vain glory. The apostle
does not recommend that we think any less of ourselves than we should.
Everyone needs a sense of worth and accomplishment. How often, even in
the church, do we hurt and discourage people by ignoring or making light
of what they do because they do not do it as well as others? Some act as
if feelings for others were a mark of apostasy. Christianity was not
designed to make door mats or neurotics of people. When it does, it has
been perverted.
But neither was it designed to encourage us to think of
ourselves more highly than we should
(Rom. 12:3).
What Paul desires is a balance between a healthy self esteem and a
wholesome regard for others, with the preference tipped in their favor.
He is discussing moral worth, not knowledge, skill, or ability. His
words must be taken in perspective. We see our faults better than anyone
else, if we are honest, because we view them from within. But we do not
see the faults of others with the same clear vision because we view them
only from without, and perhaps with warped lenses. Love's eye is quick
to detect virtues and overlook defects in others. It is in this light
that we are to esteem others better than ourselves.
"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests,
but also for the interests of others"
(Phil. 2:4).
Each one is to watch for his own interests, of course.
This is not wrong; but do not miss the "also." What is forbidden is
fixing the vision on our interests to the point that we fail to see the
interests of others. The thief on one hand and the priest and the Levite
on the other represent two types of excessive self-interest. The first
is aggressively harmful to others, and the second is negligently
harmful. There is another kind of excessive self-interest that cuts more
deeply. It finds expression in Demas, a supposed friend who deserts one
in time of need.
Paul is not encouraging us to be busy bodies, or to
intrude into things that are not our business. Where looking into the
personal affairs of others is needed (as in helping one in distress),
the utmost delicacy should be used. Some enter such situations with a
bulldozer, and shout the ill fortune from the housetops, leaving injured
souls along their path. Perhaps the main thought in the verse is care
for the spiritual welfare of others. We are not lords of others' faith,
but we are helpers in their service. We need the wisdom to know the
difference.
"Probably there is no single thing so insisted on in the
New Testament as the importance of harmony among Christians" (Barnes).
What Paul describes is ideal. It is not always possible to attain this
degree of oneness
(see Rom. 12:18).
But we must constantly strive to reach it. And
remembering this will also help promoting disunity.
Other Articles
As Time Goes
By
I
Just Got Out of the Habit
Hunger
Hard
Times
Psallo
Morality, the Government and Christians
Speech Made at the Funeral of Irven
Lee