Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, – Philippians 2: 1-10
Joy in Humility
Lately, the world has seemed dark and chaotic. Many have felt the frustration and anger that churns the internet and keeps news stations on the air. Suicide rates are rising rapidly and depression affects the lives of many.
We are a nation, a society, and a whole generation who does not know hope and joy. A hope that burns within our hearts despite what the world looks like around us, and joy that fills us even when we know we should be empty.
Humanity has a way of seeking fulfillment within ourselves. We try to find joy in the self-love movement, in the hustle of our desire to be rich or famous, in how many likes and. retweets we get on social media. Our habit is to worship ourselves and miss out on everything we yearn for.
Paul in his letter to the Philippian church is teaching all the different ways we can find joy, even in the roughest of circumstances. He was in prison beaten, broken, and about to die, yet he still encouraged the church to seek the joy he felt in the presence of the Lord.
The second chapter of Philippians begins with Paul beseeching the followers of Christ to emulate him. He was not prideful or self-absorbed. He was the opposite. He is a supreme God who humbled himself to a lowly position to help others.
In finding hope and joy in this world our best bet is to follow the footsteps of the one who gives such hope and joy. Let us seek beyond ourselves and see how we can use our gifts and talents to help others. How can we serve rather than be served? It is the action of giving that can cause the greatest of joys to flourish within our own lives.
Prayer
Lord, open my eyes to see how I can use the blessings you have given me to best help others. Help me lord look beyond myself and see those around me. O God, create opportunities for me to press into you and share the love you have so graciously given me. Open my eyes to recognize these opportunities and open my heart to love others as you love me. In Jesus’ powerful name I pray. Amen.
