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Greetings in Jesus Christ our Savior!
We’ve just finished the sermon series Creatures of Habit. It has been an enlightening series and has shown us a lot about habits that bring us promise and habits that are a poison.
I chose the reading from Philippians 2:1-4. “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Let’s dig into this reading a little bit. Keep in mind, this letter was written by the Apostle Paul to the Philippians. He is strongly encouraging them to remain united in the love of Christ Jesus.
Being Christlike brings the reality that those who are united in the love of Jesus, are sharing in the reality of the same Spirit. Hence, by living united, it will bring about the fruits of the spirit.
Although we are all very different, when we love Jesus first in our lives, we can be confident that the qualities of tenderness and compassion come from being one with Christ.
Diversity is a good thing. We were all created in the likeness of God but also as individuals. We have differing backgrounds and differing lifestyles, but that should make us stronger together NOT divide us. The important part is sharing the same spirit, tenderness and compassion. Verse 4 stands out here. “Not looking to your own interests but the interests of others.”
Like the old saying, “you are known by the company you keep,” following Jesus as our Savior is certainly good company to keep. It’s the best company to keep! Just like we’ve been talking about, the habits we keep must be chosen to reflect the habit of promise.
Verse 3 comes in as a perfect reminder. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.” Now that’s a perfect habit to live by!
Let’s pray together for unity in Christ to fill our world!
Happy Harvest,
Pastor Kathi Kraus