The Pulpit: Like Jesus

Men have long been at odds concerning the questions of who, what, when, where and why in the world around us. This, in large part, can be explained by the fact that men are too often more concerned about themselves than they are about the needs of others. So long as the issue can be rested scripturally and in accordance with the commandments of God it is only appropriate that we do so. If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross, Philippians 2:1-8. This is written by Paul to the Church at Philippi. In an ideal world all men would be in unity and of the same understanding, but such is not the case. It is the will of God for those who compose God’s Churches to be likeminded and of one accord. It is God’s will that all men possess the same love, which is from God. If every man, that is every person Saved and Lost alike, was to put the needs of others ahead of his own, the world would be a far different place. We are to look to the needs of others and not simply our own. The mind that was in Christ was to esteem others to be better than himself. Christ, who was and is equal with God, appraised our need to be greater than any He had experienced. Christ knew the need for a Savior and Redeemer for all men across time. Christ put our need for such and God’s will and purpose ahead of any device, imaging or offering of the world. Christ is our living example of humility. He gave His life for the need of all, including yours and mine. If the mind of Christ was the mind of everyone worldwide in the matter of others and the place their needs should take above the individual’s what kind of world would we be living in today?