So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 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 made himself nothing, 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. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2:1-11
The Beautiful of Unity
The natural reaction for most Americans is to do anything that is not for unity. That could be because of the temptation to seek the bigger better things or the most money. The unity of the church is what makes up our identity. Our identity as a community under the Lordship of Christ is the maker of our faith that makes us different from other communities. Whether that community is for the promotion of nationalism, politics, religion, club, or what not. Those groups are under some kind of authority or rule. But the difference between the Kingdom community is that we claim that those things (nationalism, politics, clubs) take a far second place to the true Lord, Jesus Christ. Those other communities promote selfishness, greed, and pride. While the community of Christ function under the principle of humility. Since the Kingdom is a reality that can experienced in the present, we should be able to claim that you can experience the foretaste of the New Creation now. Therefore for if you want to know what Heaven is like, you can say come visit my church. If you want to experience the Kingdom, follow me. But can we really say that? Is that true for the American church? How about your own fellowship? The Kingdom is already here and the Kingdom has created the Church but do we work more for an organization or the Kingdom? Kingdom unity is the purpose. Not disunity. Not big buildings filled with people who are looking for their best life now, but a community of people looking for the Kingdom of God now and the Fathers will being done on earth. This unity is found by being of the same mind and same love. Walking by the Spirit and not by the flesh. This community is not about being selfish.
Humility is the Means
Since the community works on the principle of humility we work of others. It isn't about our personal individual salvation whereas we go to heaven when we die. But about laying down our lives for others just as the King laid down His own life for the Church. Humility counts others more significant than yourself. You place others above your own personal wants, desires, and needs. The community meets the needs of others. This is where unity is truly realized. If humility isn't present than there would be no way or chance one could serve another. Because it would be about...you and your needs. See how selfish that is? Most say: I go to church so I can feel good about myself. Where I get fed. Church is the place where I experience God on a personal level. Me, myself, and I. Church is about me. What a selfish church! Church is a community that works for others. I go to church so that I can encourage others. Church promotes experiencing God as a family. Church functions for the joy of others whereas people minister one to another, pray for one another, and love one another. Humility brings about the destruction of pride. If I'm serving my brother I can not be thinking about myself. The Kingdom Church is about the killing of pride and the promotion of humility.
The Lordship of Christ
Jesus Christ is Lord and God has raised Him from the death. This was the first confession of the early church. The Lordship of Christ is the cry of the Kingdom Community. Nothing comes close to His Lordship! Yet here is where we find the truth about humility and unity. In the death of Him, humility is revealed. He didn't die for Himself but for others. Therefore God exalted Him to the place of Lord. Which is where we find unity. Under his rule and reign! He is King and nothing else! Submission to His Lordship with humility brings unity to the community. Christ is the head of the Church. Christ is the Lord of the world. Christ is the King of the universe. Therefore submit your allegiance. Repent of pride and selfishness and seek humility and unity. The Kingdom is here...live for it.
Walk by the Spirit, live in community, submit to the Lord, seek unity and humility.
