Selfless Unity

One of the benefits of being a Christian is that we have an example of selfless unity that we can follow. If only we will follow. One passage that has meant a great deal to me this month has been Philippians 2:1-8. It has challenged me, encouraged me, given me hope as I pray this passage not only for myself, my family, but also my church.

"Does your life in Christ give you strength? Does his love comfort you? Do we share together in the spirit? Do you have mercy and kindness? If so, make me very happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and having one mind and purpose. When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves. Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others. In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus. Christ himself was like God in everything. But he did not think that being equal with God was something to be used for his own benefit. But he gave up his place with God and made himself nothing. He was born to be a man and became like a servant. And when he was living as a man, he humbled himself and was fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death -- death on a cross." (Philippians 2:1-8)

Something our Pastor said in his sermon this past Sunday was, "People watch people." This struck me as I have been meditating on this passage; it is so important that we (as Christians) reflect the same kind of humility that Christ demonstrated by His life on earth as well as His life in Heaven. This passage is not an easy thing to do, but this is God's way of life to be lived. And if God's will is not done His way than it really isn't His will. :)

One of the reasons this passage gives me hope, is because we can actually do this if we submit ourselves completely to His Spirit. Notice that this passage says that Jesus was fully obedient to God. Often times, we (as Christians) forget that we have the power of God living inside us; and that power enables us to be like Christ in our character. The unfortunate thing is that we allow our own defiled character get in the way, block His presence and His reflection through us. His power becomes muted and clouded by our own estranged will.

The best way I can think of that breaks this horrible estrangement is total surrender. Just like Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, "...yet not my will, but Thine be done." This prayer takes a faith that is not our own, and can only be increased by our Savior. I find that I am able to surrender easier, by prayer, more prayer that turns into constant prayer. I pray for my will to be crushed, to come to an end, to be withered into dust. Then I pray for God to increase my faith. I pray for Him to replace my will completely in my mind, my heart and my soul. I ask Him to replace this with His. This is a "breaking of the will" prayer. It's hard. Yet, I yearn for this faith and I thirst for this righteous faith of Abraham.

The question then comes to us all, are we willing? If we are willing, there's half the miracle!