Pastor’s Message

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 mind, having the same love, being in full 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 who, though he existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, assuming human likeness. And being found in appearance as a human, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.

- Philippians 2:1-8 (NRSVUE)

Paul is writing a joyful letter from prison to the church in Philippi. He is thanking them for their material support of his ministry and believing in God’s grace for both himself and the Philippians. He encourages them to be of one mind in Christ, who humbled himself to the lowliest of positions in society so that he could be exalted by God, and all for God’s glory. Paul encourages this faith community to have a new perspective on life which enables them to rejoice, even in difficult circumstances. Can we really rejoice in the midst of life’s challenges? Paul thinks that we can, but only if we are united in our focus as a community. We do not rely on ourselves, but we rely on the Holy Spirit that calls us, enlightens us with gifts, and sets us aside for God’s work in this world and keeps us in faith. Just as this same Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, and makes holy the whole Christian Church on earth and keeps us in the faith of Jesus Christ. Dear Lord, we thank you for your Spirit that calls us and the whole church to you. Help us to be of one mind with Christ. Give us faith in you and change the way we see our lives so that we may rejoice and be encouraged in your presence and in the presence of one another. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.