What Would Jesus Do?

In Paul's letter to the church at Philippi, he urges them to "make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose" (Php 2:2). "Okay, Paul," you can imagine them saying, "how do we do that? What is this unity of which you speak? What is the mind, the love, the spirit, the purpose?" He doesn't leave them hanging. He's not asking for a vague "unity." He is specific.

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (Php 2:3-4)

This is so clear, but so foreign that we seem to be unable to fully grasp it. Instead of "humility of mind" and regarding others as more important than myself, we are built, it seems, on "looking out for #1." If altruism exists in the natural mind, it is "enlightened altruism" -- the idea that "doing good for others does good for me." Looking out for the interests of others over my own? Not even reasonable. You see, it's all very clear, but it's also all very contrary to our normal thinking.

To make matters clearer, then, Paul makes a simple command: be a follower of Christ. "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus" (Php 2:5). That's all. What attitude? He emptied Himself, became a servant, and humbled Himself to death on a cross (Php 2:6-8). Simple. Or not.

We call ourselves "Christians" -- followers of Christ. That's all that is asked of us: give self up. As our purpose. In love. A way of thinking. It is the unity Paul begged for, the love, the spirit, the purpose. It is, therefore, possible. And expected. So what will you do, Christian? Will you follow Christ?