Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross
– Phil 2:5-8
The solution to disunity among God’s people is to look at Christ’s humility. The Lord Jesus, holding the highest status in the universe, did not “grasp” His rights or use His divinity for His own advantage. Instead, He “emptied himself.” For our gospel partnerships to thrive, we must refuse to let our status, our “rightness,” or our egos become barriers to the mission.
Scripture invites us into a community where the primary competition is a race to see who can serve more sacrificially. Without the humility of Christ, our shared work becomes a battleground of preferences. When we look at the cross, we see that God’s glory was most clearly revealed in an act of ultimate submission. To share in Christ’s work, we must first share in His heart, laying down our “forms” of importance so that others might see the life-giving grace of the Father.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I am humbled by Your incarnation. Soften my heart toward the saints, and help me to see service not as personal status-building but as humility in Christ. Amen.
Meditation
Is there a specific “right” or “status” you are currently holding onto that might be hindering the unity and progress of your gospel community?