Humble Focus

Philippians 2:1-4 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
 
“COMPLETE my joy,” Paul wrote. When you consider the circumstances in which Paul wrote these words, this is a very Jesus-centered sentence. Joy could easily have been the last thing on Paul’s mind. He was imprisoned in a house in Rome, chained to a Roman guard 24/7. It had been nearly five years since he had been free! How could Paul say, “Complete my joy.” from prison?
    Paul could express his joy and anticipate more joy because he has said, “Yes.” to Jesus’ joy invitation recorded in John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” Lovingly and joyfully Paul encouraged the Philippians to Jesus-centered, Spirit-powered lives as they “in humility count others more significant than (themselves).”
    You know about humility, don’t you? Humility shows up when you make room for others’ opinions. You’ll find humility when you put others’ needs before yours. Humility really comes into the open, too, when you put Jesus above and before you. Humility brings people together in a common purpose, and humility is a central value to live in love for one another in Jesus’ love.
    Be humble. Center your life on Jesus’ words and his humble life. Doing so will make your joy more complete within you.
   
Joy Link: Centering on Jesus takes you off center stage.