Philippians 2:1-4
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. Philippians 2:1-4 (NRSVUE)
This summer, my wife and I joined two other couples on a trip to Europe. In London, we worshiped at Saint Paul’s Cathedral and enjoyed excellent music during the Evensong service at Westminster Abbey. The buildings themselves were both ornate and grand, and both services were part of the Church of England. Liturgy at Saint Paul’s was more alike than different than our own, and the Boys Choir at The Abbey left me with a feeling of joy, love and peace. We made sure to pray for the King of England during both services and I found myself stumbling through some of the liturgy and passages, as the verbiage was different than what I had become accustomed. As I looked around during each service, I saw people who likely came from all areas of the world sitting together. I’m assuming that numerous religious beliefs and practices were present, as well as likely some folks who did not practice any form of religion at all. But during each service, we were in partnership with the Spirit, surrounded by people worshiping God. Each person decided to give of their own time, hearts, and minds to something that was maybe different than what they believed or experienced in the past. Just because I may not have been on the same page with everything throughout the service or agreed with all that was emphasized, doesn’t mean their congregations are any less Christian, or I am more of a Christian than the members of their church. In the end, we were all worshiping God, recognizing the Trinity and breaking bread and wine together as we were reminded of Jesus Christ‘s eternal love and sacrifice for us all.
After a few days in London, four of us took the train under the channel and made our way to Bayeux in the Normandy region of France. We spent a full day with a tour guide, who took us to many of the D-Day sites where he shared stories of individual decisions, sacrifice, and heroism that were made for the greater good. American, Canadian, British and other forces came together in common interest, and many paid the ultimate sacrifice in order for that interest to be achieved. It was a humbling and emotional experience to be at the American Cemetery as Taps was played during the lowering of the flags. Tears were flowing everywhere you looked, including my own as we gave silent thanks for those who died for a common belief. May these verses from Philippians remind us to live our lives in humble service of others for the common good of all, offer acceptance and listen to those who may think or live their day-to-day lives differently than ours, and know that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ loves us all.
Questions for Reflection:
- When have you chosen humility instead of creating unneeded controversy?
- Do you turn to Christ to find peace, joy, and love?
Prayer:
Dear God,
You sent your son Jesus Christ to live among us as a humble servant. Guide us to take that extra moment and remember humility over arrogance, patience over frustration and love over anger. For when we listen, learn, love and serve others, we are following the word of God. Amen.
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