Philippians 2:1-4
Reflect
When reading this passage in Philippians, my mind was drawn to the similarities it has with John 17:20-23. Much the same as the passage in Philippians, in that gospel Jesus is praying for the disciples, and asks that they would be united as one, so that all who saw the disciples would believe Jesus was sent by the Father (v23). Coming back to the passage in Philippians, when Paul asks that his joy may be made complete (v2), it is this same idea in both passages that we must consider. The body of Christ, across all denominations and sects, should be unified to reflect the love of Christ, as to prove witness to unbelievers. As Paul writes, “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 empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others” (v2-4).
Apply
We must ask ourselves then, is it enough to just engage with and agree with like-minded Christians? How does our conduct as a larger body of Christ reflect the Gospel? And are we considering others above ourselves to honour our responsibility to be united as believers?
Noah Okken
Pray
- Pray for our Senior Lead Team Pastor, Lyle Buyer, his ministry, and family.
- Pray for our Church Board members: Beth Cheung, Dallas Ansell, Hal Reirson, JD Kliewer, Mary Jetha, Mike Ross, Randy Voss, Seth Jansen, Trevor Toews, Uwem Okome.
- Pray for our office staff: Vicky Bailey, Naomi Voss; bookkeeper Liudmyla Lushchyk
- Pray for our Hospitality Coordinator, Irene Dickau.
- Pray for our Custodians, Adit Gamble, Stan Goodnough and Anne King; Facilities Manager, Joe Richards.