To quote the famous hymn, Just As I Am, it would seem that within the church at Philippi they were “tossed about; with many a conflict many a doubt” and were experiencing “fightings and fears within without.” Philippians 1 deals with the fears without and the need to stand firm amidst persecution (Php. 1:27-30). In chapter 2 it seems Paul’s setting his sights on the fightings within.

. . . complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

(Philippians 2:2-4 ESV)

It might have just been the two ladies who were having trouble getting along (Php. 4:2), but I wonder if they may have also been but a symptom of a deeper problem — I don’t know. Whatever was happening between them, it seems that Paul (as led by the Spirit) thought a broader exhortation was needed to the whole church.

So, he says, be of the same mind; be in full accord; don’t operate out of selfishness or ego; count others — all others — better than yourselves; it’s not just about you (though there’s some you to be about), but it’s also about others. Sounds like exhortations to unity to me. Sounds like Paul views getting along in the church as a priority for the church.

But as I hover over these verses this morning, Paul also knew it was a big ask. He knew from personal experience the reality of getting sideways with spiritual siblings (Acts 15:39). He also knew that you can only give from what you got. So, before the ask, he takes inventory.

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy . . .

(Philippians 2:1-2a ESV)

As I was taught years ago, we are to read the ” So if” as “So since.” Not “if” as though there were some doubt, but “since” because it’s the reality.

As those who are born again and now are spiritually and intrinsically bound to the Son of God, we’ve known encouragement in Christ and comfort from love. As those who are now indwelt by the Spirit of God, our participation in the Spirit yields the heavenly fruit of affection and sympathy. That’s what’s in the believer’s tank. And it’s from that well of divine dynamic that we are able to count others more significant than ourselves.

Maintaining the unity is dependent on putting others first. But that’s not quite how our natural man, our natural woman, is wired. Our default filter is ourselves. So, if being of the same mind, if being in full accord, depends on counting others more significant, can I just power my way to obedience?

Short answer? Nope!

But my obedience is not dependent on my power but on His. I am in Christ. Every morning I awake with the potential of participation in the Spirit. In fact, because I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me through the Holy Spirit (Gal. 2:20). It’s not ME who has to obey, it’s WE.

Oh, blessed union with Christ! I purpose by His enabling grace to abide in Him, He makes all things possible. Even things like the supernatural humility needed to habitually be “thinking of others as better than yourselves” (NLT). Apart from Him, I can do nothing (Jn. 15:4-5).

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt;
Fightings within, and fears without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind;
Yes, all I need, in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Yes, Lord! All I need in Thee I find. So, I come.

Only by Your grace. Only for Your glory.