Philippians 2:3-4 - One Purpose

Scripture

Philippians 2:2-4 Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing out of selfishness or empty conceit, but humility in mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but the interests of others.

Observation

Paul starts off the second chapter of Philippians with a plea to the church of Philippi  to be united. In Philippians 2:1 he reminds the church that they have seen life change in Jesus Christ.  Possibly diverting their attention from their opponents (Philippians 1:28) to the strength of Christ.  But more than that, the church of Philippi has seen the miraculous power that comes from uniting together in one voice.

In Acts 16:22-40, Paul and Silas are imprisoned and began to sing hymns and praise to God; a great earthquake happens, chains are broken, and all the prisoners are set free.  But Paul and Silas stayed to encourage and share the good news with the jailor. Not only did the Jailor receive Christ that night, but also his family.

Here is a great example of the Matthew 18:20 promise.  Jesus said "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am in their midst".  I believe this is the "one purpose" Paul is talking about. I have been in places ranging from church buildings to the jail, where the power of Christ was evident and you knew where you were standing was holy ground.

What does it take to see this manifestation? We have to lay ourselves aside and let our hearts turn to Christ.  Then when you meet someone whose heart is also turned to Christ, you can be sure that Christ is there with you. 

In Proverbs 6:19, God say's He hates the one who spreads strife among brothers, but when we are united in one heart turned toward God, we please God (Psalm 133:1).  And what a great feeling to know that you are pleasing God, you can almost feel His supernatural smile when you are being diligent to preserve the unity of the spirit and the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).

Application

Hurt feelings and disagreements over leadership decisions are two main culprits for dividing a family in Christ. When faced with my own sin, I know that I have been tempted to break the bond of unity over the very same things. Moreover, praying for unity in the body of Christ has not been a top priority of mine. Each day the world moves closer and closer to its destruction, and my time here draws closer and closer to its end.  I want to know that when I meet Jesus Christ, face to face, I will hear "well done, good and faithful servant".

Prayer

Father, Son, Holy Spirit, You are the perfect example of unity. Father, I confess that I have not lived in unity with others, nor have I been diligent about seeking peace. My heart breaks for the division of Your body. Please forgive me for being slack in prayer and keeping peace.  LORD, please restore Your body to perfect unity.  That we would lay aside our own selfish ambitions and we would be quick to forgive one another. Father, I ask that You begin with me.