Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, (2) fulfill my joy by being likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (3) Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. (4) Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (5) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus

The joyful letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul while he was in prison in Rome facing potential execution for preaching the gospel. Paul had a deep emotional bond with the Christian Philippians – he wrote them to thank them for “gifts” and to rejoice in them while he was in his fraught circumstance. Paul encouraged the church in Phillipi to be selfless and united and preached Christ as the ultimate example for believers to follow. There is the world’s way of conflict resolution and God’s way. All we have is due to God’s grace and the Christians are to do nothing from pride or selfishness – we are to think about others and not just from our perspective.

The believing Philippians manifested humility and lowliness of mind among themselves and to Paul. They were only able to walk in such a manner made possible in those born again in faith in Christ Jesus. Natural man is not capable of following Paul’s advice. True lasting joy is found in Christ regardless of circumstance – love likes to be a servant but selfishness likes to be served. The principle in our verses is putting ourselves aside to regard others more highly. To live to self is the root of all sin, and leads to a loveless life. We are told to examine our motives and actions and to look first to our faults. We have the all sufficient promise of Christ never to leave us. We have the comfort of Christ and His example that our love doesn’t depend of the response of the other person. We have the indwelling Spirit and the affection and compassion of Christ shown to us and we must show to others even though they might not deserve it.

The consideration of the needs of others is the theme of our verses and the basis of Christian humility. The reason for submission is to fulfill God’s purposes. This life style will result in fellowship, humility, tenderness and sympathy. The Spirit of God works lasting communion with and among the Christians. The doctrine of our Lord’s self emptying himself of divine prerogatives is simply presented as the supreme illustration of lowliness of mind that should characterize all who profess to be followers of Christ. Oh, and yes, living this way will focus our minds and bring us joy.