Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:1-4

This is a small portion of scripture that I studied last week. As usual, Elizabeth George has helped me to see its message in a new light. Oh how I love that God has put beautifully gifted teachers in the world to help me see things that I might have missed on my own!

On page 54 of Experiencing God’s Peace, she writes;

“Paul is conveying here that every Christian has been given consolation in Christ, comfort of love, the fellowship of the Spirit, and God’s affection and mercy. Therefore, we can be encouraged and comforted and know we are loved… at all times and in all places!”

When I stop and look at it this way, I know I can have peace, just like the title of this study suggests. I don’t have to be looking out to have my needs met, because they are all met in Christ. 

How often are we allowing division in the body of Christ because at a heart level we do not recognize the truth that our needs are already met? 

We are not orphans, left in the streets to fend for ourselves,  fighting for what we need. No! We are children of God, and in Him we have all of our needs met.

When I know that my needs are met, that I have fellowship with the Spirit, God’s affection and mercy, comfort and love, why would I allow strife with my sister in Christ? Why would I slip into looking after my own desires? Why would I make petty issues into dividing lines?

Daughters of God, let’s remember that we are His, and that He provides every good thing.

Let’s put away our petty arguments born of pride,

our one-upmanship,

our exclusive social circles,

our own ambitions.

Let’s let someone else shine,

or have her way on the committee,

or be right.

Let’s put away all the striving–like animals devouring each other in order to survive– and start living like daughters of The King; full of grace, and empty of selfish concern.

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