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Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Philippians 2:3

Paul said that there were some people, who were preaching Christ out of envy and strife. Now he says, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory.” I would say most of the difficulties in the church today are not due to doctrinal differences. They are due to strife and envy. Some people just naturally cause trouble. If we could follow this command, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory,” I think it would solve 90 percent or maybe even 100 percent of the problems in churches today.

If you are doing something through strife in the church, you had better not do it at all. The same is true if you do things because you expect to be recognized. One of the reasons I don’t like to go to organizational meetings is that I get tired of people having to thank Mrs. So-and-so because she brought a bouquet of flowers or Mr. So-and-so because he brought in an extra chair—and you don’t dare leave out anyone because if you do, you will be in trouble. Do Christians need to be recognized and complimented and commended for things they do? “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory”—trying to make a name for yourself.  “But in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

If this verse were obeyed, I believe it would solve the problems in most of the music departments in our churches. It would eliminate this attitude: “Why don’t they call on me to sing? I have a much better voice than So-and-so.” The same could be said for problems on boards and on committees. It would also eliminate the “power struggle” that goes on in some churches among the church officers.  Let’s humble ourselves so that we are able to effectively work together to build man and advance God’s kingdom.  After all, it’s not about us, it’s all about Jesus!

 

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