April 30, 2026

Hey guys,

This week’s Thought comes from Philippians 2. Paul is writing to the church at Philippi, a church that he helped start. So, he's writing this letter to people he knows, people he loves, maybe even people he's led to Christ. In verse 2, Paul say, “Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another and working together with one mind and one purpose.”

Man, Paul, that's great! I would love to serve alongside those that love Jesus with one mind and one purpose! I would love to agree wholeheartedly with those in my home, those that I love, and maybe even those that I don't love. How awesome would that be if we all agreed and we all got along? 

But Paul, how in the world do I do that? Well, thankfully, Paul answered that question in verse 3. “Don't be selfish. Don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” 

It's at this point, a lot of times that people who won't necessarily embrace all of Scripture, or they don't want to pick up their cross daily and follow Christ, it's here they separate themselves. “Whoa…I don't want to think people are better than me. How in the world do I not look out for myself? I don't want to be a doormat!” 

The actual translation of the phrase,“thinking of others as better yourselves,” is, value others. How do I value others? I give them my time. I give them my focus. I give them my attention. I give them my love. I serve them. But how do I get to the point where I can give that much? “Don't be selfish. Don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” 

Then, we will have one mind. We will have one purpose, and we can agree wholeheartedly. 

Love you guys,

John