Regard Others
As Better Than Yourselves
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation
from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy
complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and
of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility
regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of
you look not to your own interest, but to the interest of others.
Philippians 2:1-4
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my
joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be
of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help
these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel,
together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the
book of life.
Philippians 4:1-3
As believers in Jesus, we often face the challenge of learning
how to pull together. Self-interest, personal agendas, and power struggles get
in the way of genuine ministry and hinder the work of Christ. Such was the case
in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, where he had to plead with Euodia and Syntyche to work
together. There were personal conflicts between them. Paul’s appeal was for
them to pull together and work for the honor of the Master. It is an appeal
that serves us well today. When we feel distanced from our fellow believers, we
must look for the common ground we have in the Savior. It is imperative that we
work together for the advancement of God’s kingdom. He can use us in wonderful
ways when we lay aside our personal differences and pull together.
A believer at war with another Christian
cannot be at peace with the Father.
Our Daily Bread –