Mere Christianity

Lately I've been picking through some of the New Testament letters in an attempt to live my life as God would want me too. But because I fail on a regular basis, I was looking for some advice from the Apostles. I've been through James, and when I going to go through I Peter, but for some reason I felt impressed to take a look at Philippians. I can't say why, really, it's not a book I generally equate with dealing with difficult life issues. Last night as I read Chapter 2, I realized that my assumption was sadly mistaken.

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Phil. 2:1-5 (NLT)

As I read Paul's words to his friends in Philipi, I was struck by how simply he was able to sum up what it is to be a Christian! Paul was being frank with his friends, cautioning them against trying to impress each other or those around them, but to get along and also take an interest in other people. They weren't better than anyone else simply because they were Christians.

Fast forward to today, and it often seems like we could really take Paul's advice to heart. How often today do we compete with each other, even at church? Who has the newest car, a big flat-screen TV, the new iPhone? Who is the best dress, looks the best, has their hair just perfect for the weekly fashion show that is church?

According to Paul, being a Christian is the exact opposite of that. It's looking for what we have in common, not highlighting our differences. It's looking at the person, not the clothes. The person who wears a three-piece suit is just as welcome as the person wearing a stained t-shirt and torn jeans. Why? Because they are interested in each other and each other's point of view.

We're very good and making life so complicated we couldn't possibly live like a Christian. Paul doesn't make it complicated, because it couldn't be any simpler. It's how we treat each other and treat those around us that makes us truly Christian, regardless of our place in life.

Anyway, that's the challenge I have for myself now, to focus less on myself and more on those around me.