Scripture – Philippians 2:5-11 NRSVUE https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202%3A5-11&version=NRSVUE
From Brian Mack
We live in a world where people often seem to be mean spirited, lacking in tolerance for each other, and filled with jealousy. Skepticism abounds as people argue over what is right or wrong, what is just and what is unjust, who is entitled to a great share of wealth and who is not, and who is destined to lead and who should follow based on their status in society.
Go back to the time when Paul is languishing in a prison cell. He receives a gift from the people of Philippi. As he sets out to write a letter of thanks to them, his thoughts turn to the problems of the early church at that location. Those problems centred around disunity of purpose and involved petty quarrels about ritual and doctrine. Some people had ceased working together as jealousy and envy set in.
In a spirit of gentleness, Paul offers a solution to their discontent beginning with the words, “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” The remaining verses offer a description of the uniqueness of the life of Jesus Christ rooted always in humility. As members of the church and of the wider community, Paul’s words encourage us to be of like disposition and temperament. Thanks be to God.
Contemplation and Conversation
How can you follow the voice of God through the example set by Jesus?
Prayer
Holy One, we give you thanks for your son, Jesus Christ.
Help us to live with humility and to have a peaceful attitude toward all people. Amen.
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