The Key to Unity: Humility

"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. "
- Philippians 2:1-11

There are many causes of discord and division in the church and among believers that are secondary to doctrinal differences: worship styles, financial situations, favoritism("I like this guy more than that guy"), etc. The ROOT of all these causes is PRIDE - thinking of our own interests before others' interests... the desire to be honored, agreed with, liked, made much of or praised instead of God.

"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." - Philippians 2:3-4

Our example of humility is God himself: namely, Jesus Christ (2:6-11). "Obedient to the point of death" is the description of his humility.

If there is any:
encouragement in Christ
comfort from love
participation in the Spirit
affection
sympathy

Basically, when God is at work in and through you... don't let God's work in you become an issue of division or pride, but rather "be of the same mind."

I do not think that this means that we must be willing to compromise what the Bible says. Humility is not the same as compromise. There are certain areas where compromise is completely acceptable: worship styles, paint schemes, pragmatic issues, etc. Humility is needed and is vital to these areas. However, humility in doctrinal disputes or in sin-drenched situations looks a lot different. This humility is like saying, "My opinions and instincts can be helpful or hurtful because I am imperfect even with good intentions; however, THIS is what the Bible says concerning this matter!"

We must submit to Christ's example and his Word in everything we do! May we be humble in our opinions and bold in our allegiance to Christ and his Word!

Hello, I'm Teaching Tomorrow...

It is such a humbling reality to teach the Word of God! When all is said and done, my only hope is that God was honored by my faithfulness to the text of the Bible and that the Holy Spirit worked in the hearts of those who heard the message. I am merely a vessel. A servant. Praise God! To Him be all the credit and praise and recognition and fame and "thank you"s and "how true"s and "that impacted me"s!

What is even more humbling is seeing God use an imperfect servant who still battles with his sinful nature: namely, me. Yes, me. I agree with Paul when he says time and again that he is the "chief of all sinners." Sometimes I feel that way. Oh God, thank you for using broken and sinful and imperfect people such as myself to do Your will! You truly are great and deserving of all praise when Your will is accomplished and we are obedient: You are the one who is moving and directing and changing the hearts of your people!

Tomorrow, I am teaching our awesome Junior High group. I look to the words in Jeremiah 1 for confidence in God's calling as a teacher/pastor:

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."

For those of you who are reading this post as teachers or pastors: take comfort in the calling and sovereignty of God! What a wonderful God we serve... may God encourage you and build you up in His grace and joy!