Philippians 2:14-16 (NIV)
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the Word of Life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Our Verse of the Day is a good word for us because it brings into focus the need for us to be mindful in how we relate to one another within the Church. By Church I mean not only the local assembly where we attend, but also the entire Body of Christ throughout the world! Paul admonishes us: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, as children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” He speaks of an attitude or mindset that we should have within ourselves … following the example our Lord Jesus modeled for us:
Philippians 2:3-16 (NRSV) – Imitate the Humility of Christ
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5 Let the same mind be in you that you have in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, 8 He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for His good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmuring and arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. 16 It is by your holding fast to the Word of Life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
There are some other Scriptures that come to mind when I look at how our Lord Jesus handled conflicts with people:
Isaiah 53:3-7 (NRSV)
He (the Messiah) was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and sorrows … and acquainted with infirmity; and as one from whom others hide their faces. He was despised, and we held Him of no account. Surely, He has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the punishment that made us whole and by His bruises we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.
Matthew 27:11-14 (NRSV) (See also Mark 15:1-5; Luke 23:1-9)
11 Now Jesus stood before the governor (Pontius Pilate); and the governor asked Him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” 12 But when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, Jesus did not answer. 13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?” 14 But He gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.
1 Peter 2:21-23 (NRSV)
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in His steps. 22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 23 When He was abused, He did not return abuse; when He suffered, He did not threaten or retaliate; rather, He entrusted Himself to the One who judges justly.
It is clear that when we act or respond in humility to real or perceived wrongs, we follow the example of Jesus as He dealt with those who mistreated Him. He did not grumble or argue. He did not engage in verbal retorts or assaults. He did not retaliate against those who bore false witness against Him. When scourged and physically abused, Jesus did not return abuse for the suffering inflicted upon His body. No, Jesus entrusted Himself to the Father … to the One who judges rightly. The Apostle Paul weighs in on this issue as well; and I think he affords us some additional insight:
Romans 12:9-20 (NIV)
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. (Citing Deuteronomy 32:35) 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” (Citing Proverbs 25:21-22)
So why are we taught to deny ourselves and pick up our own crosses each day? Why are we urged to have these qualities … these attitudes or mindsets to guide our character and conduct? In short, the answer is LOVE! This is what sincere love in action looks like! This is how genuine love manifests itself! “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (Cf. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8) Indeed, we need to learn to love as Jesus loved! As Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (Cf. John 13:34-35)
Oh, how I pray that each of us will be diligent to reflect the love of God through the example that Jesus has shown us. I pray we will embrace the mindset of Christ within our hearts. That is what will impact our nation and the world. This is what will bring about healing and deliverance. This is how the world will know we are HIS disciples … when we love others as Jesus has loved us!
So Now You Know 