Reflecting on Philippians 2

In November, I am celebrating by reading Philippians 30 times! This week I am focusing my post on the second chapter. This is a great chapter, and one that makes me want to sing.  Reading this one chapter brings so many (praise and worship songs) to mind: "He is Lord," "Jesus, Name Above All Names," "The Name Above All Names," "Name of Jesus," "Sweetest Name I Know," "Something About That Name," "Man of No Reputation," and my particular favorite, "Gather Round, Ye Children, Come." 

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. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(Philippians 2:3-11 ESV)

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
(Philippians 2:12-13 ESV)

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
(Philippians 2:14-15 ESV)

There are some hard verses to put into practice!!! Do ALL THINGS WITHOUT grumbling or disputing. Not a few things, not some things, but ALL things. I think sometimes we're happy with ourselves when we only grumble or complain or argue sometimes. But God calls us to rejoice in the Lord always AND to do ALL THINGS without grumbling or complaining. We can't really "rejoice" in the Lord when we're busy complaining and whining. But God has called us to shine as lights in the world, and part of that means that we're to "count others more significant" and look "to the interests of others." It also means that we're to "do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit." We're supposed to be different from the world. How do we do this? Perhaps the first step is to hold fast to the Word of Life. (Philippians 2:16)

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible