One Another

  There is a phrase that the Apostle Paul uses repeatedly to pinpoint a particular attitude, "selfish ambition".  In our secular world the person who is ambitious is often considered a leader, and the one who is selfishly ambitious is usually the norm.  But what about in Christian work?  Well, that is another story. Among those who truly know Christ and are led by His Spirit, we would not expect to see this sin raising its ugly head.  But look again.

In the book of Philippians, Paul makes a curious observation:

Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. (Php 1:12-17, NASB95)

While in prison, he sees people respond in two ways, some positive, some negative.  Many Christians are finding greater boldness in their witness.  Others are preaching the gospel out of envy and strive and hoping to cause distress to Paul.  The positive response makes a lot of sense, but the negative is hard to understand.  How were they hoping to cause distress for Paul?

On the inside, Paul was having a fruitful ministry of evangelism among the "whole praetorian guard".  He is obviously excited about that.  On the outside Christians are becoming bold in their faith.  So Paul has a lot to rejoice over.  But some are preaching Christ out of impure motives.  What type of motives could that be? Out of "envy and strife" and "selfish ambition".  And these misguided ministers think it will cause distress for Paul.  How short-sighted they are.  They must assume that Paul thinks about ministry the same way they do.  In their selfish ambition they are competing with Paul- for notoriety, influence, and who knows what else.  But he is above all that:

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, (Php 1:18, NASB95)

I suppose it is a bit surprising to see people in the ministry jockeying for position.  But not too surprising.  The congregations they serve often encourage this attitude.  Sometimes they promote a "cult of personality" in the church.  Paul had this issue with the Corinthians:

Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” (1 Cor 1:10-12, NASB95)

Of course, immature spiritual leaders may be susceptible to "selfish ambition", but what about your average church member?  It appears so. That is what Paul is addressing in Philippians chapter two.

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 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 2:1-4, NASB95)

James also warns of this insidious trait:

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. (James 3:14-16, NASB95)

In church bodies, selfish ambition can do untold damage.  This attitude originates from the devil himself.  It is of the flesh and is earthly and natural.  There is no spiritual component to it.  And the damage it does to a local fellowship or ministry can be catastrophic.

And true humility is the exact opposite.  When Christians are guided by the Holy Spirit and embrace the attitude of Christ, we find local bodies showing oneness of mind and heart, full of love for one another, and intent on one purpose. But Paul elaborates further on what humility means in a local body like this:

 

1. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit. (Php 2:3)

1. Be alert for selfish motivations in your life- confess and repent of them whenever they creep in. (1 Jn 1:9)
2. Don't think more highly of yourself than you ought. (Ro 12:3)

2. Regard one another as more important than yourself. (Php 2:3)

1. Look at others as God sees them, not as the world. (Ro 12:2)
2. This means you are important also, from God's perspective. (Eph 3:8-10)

3. Don't only look out for your own interests (Php 2:4)

1. It's natural to consider your own issues.
2. Learn to get beyond yourself.
3. Trust God with your issues.  Be confident that He is taking care of you. (Psalm 23)

4. Look out for the interests of others (Php 2:4)

1. Learn to be a good listener. (Prov 18:13)
2. Be observant of those around you.
3. Take action on behalf of others. (Mt 7:12)

5. Remember- this is a "one another command" (Php 2:3)

1. Others in your Christian body will be doing this for you.
2. "Scratch one another's back"

 All passages used in this post were taken from New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Php 1:12–17.