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CHRISTIAN HARMONY
MONDAY, JULY 11
Philippians 2:3-4

1 John 4:18-21

 

“Blessed art thou, O LORD:

teach me thy statutes.”

 

CHRISTIAN HARMONY
 
The oneness that Christians have can only be seen when we are able to live in harmony. Philippians 2:3-4 enumerates several attitudes that are essential to our living in such harmony.
 
The Scripture often reminds us of the importance of our motives. Here in Philippians, we are challenged not to do anything motivated by “strife or vainglory” (Phil 2:3). Strife speaks of factionalism, and vain glory is empty pride and boastfulness. Anything done to further “our side” or enable us to feed our personal pride is worthless as far as God is concerned. This attitude destroys Christian harmony.
 
We should, instead, serve the Lord with a “lowliness of mind” (Phil 2:3). Such an attitude enables us to look on our brethren as better than ourselves and to see the needs of others as more important than our own (Phil 2:3). Since all service to God is only possible by His grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, it is only proper that we serve in humility of mind.
 
Another requirement in maintaining harmony is for us not to be too concerned with our own lives. Scripture reminds us that the Lord gave up everything in order to save us (Phil 2:7-8). The Apostle Paul forsook all the advantages of life that were his by birth to follow the Lord (Phil 3:7). We, likewise, should be careful not to devote ourselves to worldly ambitions and pursuits.
 
Finally, Christian harmony is further strengthened by a concern for others. As we become less concerned with ourselves, we have time to be more concerned about the spiritual needs of our brethren. As we see ourselves as less important, the Lord and His people and work become more important. Then we can, together, “make a joyful noise unto the LORD” as we worship and serve Him (Col 3:16). When all our actions in the local church are to benefit others, we develop true Christian unity and God is glorified.
 
THOUGHT: What are our actions that strengthen true Christian unity?

PRAYER: Father, help me to love others because Thou lovest me.

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