Unity through Humility

Unity through Humility

While writing Philippians 2:2-5, Paul encourages unity by presenting this body of believers an image of the selfless mind of Christ. He writes,

“Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”

Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

At the core of unity, is “the same doctrine”. Doctrine, a set of principles that defines the grace life, when believed and maintained through a common understanding of its teachings, will produce unity and harmony. Paul confirms this in his letter to the Corinthians:

“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” - 1Cor.1:10

It is this same doctrine that promotes unity that Paul uses to instruct the Philippians in humility. If the doctrine in the minds of the saints are the bricks, then humility is the mortar that binds them together in a strong and immovable unity. 

Let nothing be done through strife (conflict) or vainglory (pride and boasting); but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Strife and vainglory are the default fruits of the flesh. If nothing is done about it, this will result in strife, envy, and divisions, as happened with the Corinthians. The key to embodying the virtue of humility lies in saturating our minds with our doctrine, Romans to Philemon, and then applying to it in love and obedience. Our sinful nature often resists humility and selflessness, as it is inherently self-focused. However, by immersing ourselves in scripture and allowing it to renew our minds, we can subdue this nature in increasing manner as we continue to yield to our doctrine. As Romans 12:2 reminds us, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” It is by yielding to the working of God’s Word in us, by faith, allowing it to influence our thoughts and actions, generating the fruits of righteousness, that this transformation takes place. As our doctrine has opportunity to work itself out of each of our lives, then true unity is produced within that body of believers.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.

Jesus' life was the epitome of selflessness and humility. He served others without seeking recognition or reward, and his ultimate sacrifice on the cross was the greatest act of love and humility. Surely the Spirit of Christ will manifest itself through us if we abide in his word, which is his Spirit (Jn.6:63). The letter to the Ephesians and Colossians hints on this, 

Eph.4:2-6 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;  [3]  Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  [4]  There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;  [5]  One Lord, one faith, one baptism,  [6]  One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Col.3:12-14 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

How perfect is our doctrine: How perfect is the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ.