Following Orders

Philippians 2:2-4 “…fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” ~HCSB

A husband does his part in a godly marriage by considering his wife’s feelings over his own. This is a skill because the flesh makes it hard for a man who has a trying day at work; followed by a stressful time in traffic, to come home and think about anything else other than his own personal need to sit down for a minute and take a load off.

But when his Christ-like actions prevail, and he puts aside all that burdens him to care for and attend to the needs of his wife, she feels safe and secure in her husband’s attention. Let’s add that this particular couple goes out of their way, in their day to day lives, attempting to 'outdo' each other in their care and love for one another. Their actions result in a godly marriage. This is a victory in the name of the Lord.

Now let us switch this relationship from a married couple to how we as individuals affect others around us. How we are to live with great intention toward others God places in our paths. There is a command given to us that must be followed in order for us to fulfill our purpose in the name of the Kingdom. This command was given to us by Jesus when he gave us the order to ‘love’ in Matthew 22:37-39. 

When it comes down to it; it doesn’t matter how we were raised in the church; the style our devotions were taught or the community we may have been raised in; we are all Christians. Christ is who we follow. No matter what differences we may have in knowing Christ, we must stay true to His command of ‘Love’.

This is what Paul’s intention of direction is when he says in Philippians, think the way Jesus would have us think. Have the same love shown by our Lord and Savior. This in turn will allow us to share the same feelings and focus on one goal; the goal of our purpose in Jesus name.

Of everything going on around us in our lives every day we must not let the world cause us to do anything, “…out of rivalry or conceit…” But in the humility shown by Christ, we must consider others as more important than ourselves.

Just as a married couple lives to service each other in actions of love, resulting in a godly marriage; so must we do with others around us to produce a godly community. It starts with us. It is aided in strength by God in us. We were created for this task. 

May God give you strength, directions and wisdom in your journey in Jesus name.