Speaking to the Philippians Paul calls them to make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. What would make Paul’s Joy overflow? To hear that the Philippians were enjoying peace and harmony: “making Joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Paul was calling for united attention.
How does the joy through peace and harmony come about in God's Body?, through Humility.
Paul gives a great definition of humility stating "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.
Paul emphasized the need for selflessness. His instructions are hard to obey—but they are desperately needed. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit.
"Humility” is a misunderstood word. Some suppose it means to consider oneself as having no value, but that is untrue. Here are two great example of humility and greatness coexisting.
Moses is described as "very humble" (Num. 12:3), but nothing indicates that this great leader thought he was worthless.
Jesus described Himself as "gentle and humble in heart" (Mt. 11:29;see Phil, 28), but He also spoke of the glory God had given Him (In, 17:22; see Phil, 2:11). Jesus did not waste His time in self-deprecation.
Humility is not self-deprecation but self-forgetfulness. It is not thinking, badly of oneself; it is being so concerned about others that one gives little thought to self.
Paul gives the supreme example of humility: Jesus Christ was so concerned about our needs that He, in effect, “forgot” about Himself, came to this earth, and died for us. Paul challenged his readers to have the same mindset.
Being humble for most people brings to mind a form of weakness. If someone practices humility, it means they’re not a “go-getter” and don’t care about performance or working hard. Why do you suppose the Bible has so much to say about being humble? Maybe we’ve got it all wrong and the one who practices humility is actually the strong one?
1 Peter 5:6-7 State:
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:6-7
God cares for us. He is mighty. He calls us to humble ourselves under Him. Not because He is controlling or because you are nothing, but rather because He wants to exalt us and care for us. As we humble ourselves, that is when we truly worship Him. We’re trusting Him with what’s going on in our lives and believing He is the provider instead of ourselves.
Three great things happen when we humble ourselves
1. We body of Christ is stronger
When we look to the interests of others, we are encouraging, spurring on, and not allowing Satan to have a foothold in the lives our our brothers and sisters in Christ.
2. Selfishness and Pride won't be come a snare in our lives.
As we regard others more important than ourselves, we are keeping our own flesh's tendency to be self serving, by serving others as Christ did. We are called to put into practice self-forgetfulness.
3. We are placing our trust and putting our lives in the hands of God. who says:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
4. We grow strong in our own walk with Christ.
If we are of this same humble mindset, forsaking our own reputation and honor in order to be obedient to God’s word and will, we will be able to make unbelievable progress in our Christian lives!
5. Last now, First later- Just like Christ
Philippians 2:9 - For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,
James 4:10 - Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
This is sometimes called the "Cruciform Life." Living life through the cross of Christ. Living a Self emptying, sacrificing, suffering servant life. Dying to self, and living for and like Christ.