October 3, 2023

Today’s Reading: Philippians 2:1-18

Daily Lectionary: 2 Chronicles 34:1-4, 8-11, 14-33, Colossians 2:8-23

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… (Philippians 2:4,5)

In the Name of Jesus, Amen. There is only one God, the Holy Spirit. This Spirit is one with the Father and the Son. When you were baptized the Spirit of God was poured out upon you. The Holy Spirit dwells in you. By baptism you were made one with God; Christ in you, and you in Christ. Your life is in Him and He lives and reigns in you. What joyful oneness and unity you have with God who delights in YOU. 

I am sure you know that your congregation is not perfect. Perhaps you have seen members argue or even yell at each other. Maybe your pastor lost his temper and said something that shouldn’t have been said. The people of Israel and their leaders were much like our congregations. Now, as then, God’s people sinfully grumble and argue in ways that are not right and God pleasing. This ought not be. Sinful pride and self-centeredness can tear congregations apart. The devil works hard to cause conceit and selfish ambition in God’s people in order to destroy Christian fellowship and unity. Satan does not want peace and joy in Christ among and in God’s people.

Do you have the mind of Christ? Do you think like Jesus? Do you desire what God desires? That is, do you love God above all things and your neighbor as yourself? Do you love Jesus? Do you believe He died for you? To have the mind of Christ is to love God and your neighbor, that is, especially and most importantly, your brothers and sisters in Christ in your congregation. This is not easy to do as sinners. 

You are one with God in Christ. This is a great mystery. It is equally true that all your brothers and sisters in your congregation share the same oneness with Jesus as you do. Jesus is the perfect brother that put Himself last for you and for them. In Him was no selfish ambition or conceit. He loves you and them and considers us all of far more worth than His own life. He gave His life for you and them. What joy! The same Spirit of life dwells in all of God’s people in your congregation. This is hard to remember and to put into practice. But through God’s Word, prayer and the Holy Spirit we can live in great joy, peace and unity in our congregations!  In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! 

 “May they be secure who love you! 

Peace be within your walls

 and security within your towers!” 

For my brothers and companions’ sake, 

 I will say, “Peace be within you!” 

For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, 

 I will seek your good.  (Psalm 122:6-9)

-Pastor Preston Paul is pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Almena, WI.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.

Study Christ’s words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.