Scripture – Philippians 2:1-13 NRSVUE
2 If, then, there is any comfort in Christ, any consolation from love, any partnership in the Spirit, any tender affection and sympathy, 2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others. 5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he existed in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
assuming human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a human,
8 he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God exalted him even more highly
and gave him the name
that is above every other name,
10 so that at the name given to Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
12 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence but much more now in my absence, work on your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
From Brian Mack
As the Apostle Paul wrote this letter, we know he was in chains (see Chapter 1 vs 13). Scholars such as Matthew Larsen and Mark Leeney, who have made a detailed study of ancient Mediterranean incarceration, have suggested he was most likely held in a dark, dank, underground cavern. In a literal sense, everyone is above him and walking over him. In this position of ultimate vulnerability, Paul reflects on the suffering of Christ and on the persecution of the believers at Philippi as their unity of purpose is tested. He is aware of some of the tensions that are in existence in the church and challenges them to practice humility and to work together harmoniously.
When Randy, Sherol, and I met a few days ago to plan for the upcoming Board meeting, we each offered different perspectives on how to chart our way forward as a pastoral charge. In the end, we reached consensus in many areas. We will offer to the Board a series of proposals for discussion. Some of these proposals are more procedural in nature to meet our obligations with respect to our ministerial search. Some of the proposals are more open ended as regards finances, what we value in our faith communities and what we might prayerfully let go of in the future. Overarching all our discussions, was a respect for the traditions of our places of worship, our desire to see our co-operation continue to be fostered, a commitment to continue to offer transparency and to offer our congregations a chance for systematic input as we journey together.
When I wrote this reflection just a few hours after our meeting, it struck me how important it is to continuously remind ourselves as to why we exist. Whether we realize it or not, we have been practising Paul’s instructions. So, as we move forward as a pastoral charge and continue to build a wonderful, inclusive faith community, let these words of Paul, continue to be our mantra: “If, then, there is any comfort in Christ, any consolation from love, any partnership in the Spirit, any tender affection and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same 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. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” (verses 1-5) The wisdom offered by Paul to the believers at Philippi is just as valid thousands of years later to the believers of Rockwood and Stone United Churches. Thanks be to God.
Contemplation and Conversation
What is one example as to how our churches work in harmony?
Prayer
Gracious and loving God, we give you thanks for the teachings of Paul.
May the same Spirit that washed over him continue to guide us in our personal lives.
Help us to apply his insights to the church of 2026. Amen.
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