Read Philippians 2:1-4
Selfishness can ruin a church, but genuine humility can build it. Being humble involves having a true perspective about ourselves (Romans 12). It does not mean that we should put ourselves down. Before God, we are sinners, saved only by God’s grace, but we are saved and therefore have great worth in God’s kingdom. We are to lay aside selfishness and treat others with respect and common courtesy. Considering others’ interests as more important than our own links us with Christ, who was a true example of humility.
Many people, even Christians, live only to make a good impression on others or to please themselves. But selfishness brings discord. Paul therefore stressed spiritual unity, asking the Philippians to love one another and to be one in spirit and purpose. When we work together, caring for the problems of others as if they were our problems, we demonstrate Christ’s example of putting others first, and we experience unity. Don’t be so concerned about making a good impression or meeting your needs that you strain relationships in God’s family.
Philippi was a cosmopolitan city. The composition of the church reflected great diversity, with people from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life. Acts 16 gives us some indication of the diverse makeup of this church. The church included Lydia, a Jewish convert from Asia and a wealthy business woman; the slave girl, probably a native Greek; and the jailer serving this colony of the empire, probably a Roman. With so many different backgrounds among members, unity must have been difficult to maintain. Although there is no evidence of division in the church, its unity had to be safeguarded. Paul encourages us to guard against any selfishness, prejudice, or jealousy that might lead to dissension. Showing genuine interest in others is a positive step forward in maintaining unity among believers.