A FRAGRANT OFFERING TO GOD

 

                          

During the American war general George Washington was irked by what some of the drummers in the army were doing. Each drummer would just drum in his own way and sometimes “out of the blue” just to show off their own ability. This was sending out mixed signals to the army. So Washington sent out this order, “the use of drums is a signal to the army. And if every drummer was allowed to beat at his pleasure the intention is entirely destroyed, as it will be impossible to distinguish whether they are beating for their own pleasure or for signal to the troops.

Washington was telling those drummers “listen if we are going to be a successful army you can’t just drum whatever or wherever you want. We have to sacrifice our own preferences and send out unified signals, if we are going to stand firm together as an army and win this war (Shawn Thomas).

In Philippians 2:1-2 Paul tells the saints of the Philippi church to guard against internal conflicts in the church. He emphasizes how important the unity of the church is.  Though the Church has many individuals, they should all work together, like one man under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, towards a common goal. In verse 2 Paul tells them to make his joy full by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, being of one accord, mind, intent and purpose.   

In Philippians 2:3-4 he gives the “do’s’ and “dont’s” that will help them keep the kind of unity they need.  He says don’t do things from “selfishness or empty conceit”, but regard one another as more important than yourself. Don’t merely look out for your own personal interests, but look out also for the interests of others.  

These attitudes are not “easy.” They don’t come naturally; they are the opposite of what has been ingrained into us since childhood.  Selfishness and self-centeredness are the most difficult problems we face as human beings.  We are naturally more concerned about ourselves than anyone else. Looking out for the interests of others is a totally fundamental difference in outlook. But, selfishness does not have to rule our lives; the Holy Spirit in us is able to give us power to overcome selfishness.

We should look out for the interests of others and not just our own in every sphere of our life: at church, on the job, at school at home wherever we are! It is a difference that should characterize us as followers of Jesus. Christians all through history have done it. Putting others ahead of ourselves is imperative for church unity; it is vital for our ultimate success as a church.

Philippians 2:3 says “let nothing be done through strife or vain glory but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem others better than themselves”. Vain glory is to be puffed up with a sense of own importance and greatness. Our problem is regarding ourselves too highly. Romans chapter 12 says “do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment v.3... consider others better than yourselves. V.10”

Paul uses a lovely phrase “lowliness of mind”; he takes this negative word and elevates it into a Christian virtue. In this context it means to have a proper estimate of self so that there is no need for self-promotion. Pride afflicts all of us not just the rich and the famous. We feel bad when others fail to recognize our contributions.  We are secretly envious at the success of others. We are too quick to criticize those who are different from us.

James 3:13-16 says “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from Heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”

Ephesians 5:1-2 says “Be imitators of God ... live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Though he continued to be God, he voluntarily humbled himself and took on the lifestyle of a servant (John 1:10-14). The creator of all things laid aside what was rightfully his; though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich (2 Cor. 8:9).

The source of quarrels and conflicts is self (James 4:1-2). To live to self is the real root of every sin as it is of all loveless life. If we want harmonious relationships, each of us must put self to death and live to build up others. We need to think about the other person’s needs and interests rather than just think about things from our own perspective. Selflessness produces an abundant life of joy and rich reward. It may be unpleasant but it speaks louder than many words.

Selfishness and pride are the two most deadly dividers of all human history. Paul gives two simple suggestions which, if obeyed, will effectively counteract the effect of these two things.  First of all, he deals with pride. What practical suggestions does Paul give us?  He says, “Count others better than yourselves”. This attitude is the mark of true humility that will counteract the awful activity of pride.

He does not mean to ignore obvious differences of ability or maturity. But, if you find that you are doing better than another person, Paul wants you to remember that in God's eyes probably the other persons is more faithful to what they know, than you are to what you know even though they may be younger in the faith. They may be less gifted (1Cor 12:11) or less talented (Matt 25:15-23) but are faithfully using their gifts and talents.  

Next Paul deals with how to handle selfishness, he says," look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." How much time do you give to someone else's interests?” many people exist for self, they feel they must be the center of interest. That is the natural man, but God wants something different. He says the only way to get joy and peace is to give priority to other's interest. Be on the look-out for such opportunities every day and everywhere.

Paul’s prayer for the Romans Christians was that “the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had (Rom 15:5).  He asked them to  “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited (Rom 12:16),  instead outdo one another in showing honor (Rom 12:10).

Paul’s appeal to the Corinthians was “all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought (1 Cor. 1:10).  Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you (2 Cor. 13:11)”. He told the Galatians not to provoke or envy one another (Gal 5:26).

He urged the Ephesians “to be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Eph 4:1-3).  Working together harmoniously should be a habit, a way of life in the church.  We should create a climate where true unity would flourish. The Holy Spirit within us will help us to patiently bear with the weakness and immaturity of others.

If we do what the world does and follow the popular culture then we will not have joy. A church where there is harmony, love and fellowship among the members pleases both God and man. In a warped and crooked world where each lives for his own ends, a community of Christians who set themselves to look only to the other's interest would be a rare and radiant thing.  Unity does not eliminate diversity; different voices and tones harmoniously played produce a sweet sound.