Complete Joy

In our reading yesterday, Paul expressed his joy for his brothers and sisters in Philippi. He prayed thankfully for them and rejoiced in his relationship with them. When our relationships are going well, with agreement and unity, then joy comes naturally.

What about when our relationships aren't going well. What about when we're not in agreement, or we're not unified over how we think and act toward one another? In those times, joy can feel incomplete.

In Philippians 2, Paul appeals to his brothers and sisters to "make my joy complete" by being one in spirit and of one mind. He also tells them to not look out for themselves but for each other, not acting out of "selfish ambition or vain conceit", but looking to the interests of others. He wants them to complete his joy by not looking to their own needs, but to what's best for their brothers and sisters.

This past year has been full of challenges. The pandemic, social injustice, and politics have led many to rely more on themselves, distrust others, and be more extreme in expressing themselves online. They also have caused many to complain about the inconveniences and to grumble about the hardships. How can we focus less on ourselves and more on others?

For Paul, the way to complete joy is found in the example of Christ. In a beautiful poem or hymn in Philippians 2:6-11, he writes about Jesus' humility, his willingness to become a servant, and his obedience to death on a cross. In Philippians 2:7, the NIV says he "made himself nothing", but the ESV and NASB translate the Greek word (κενόω) more literally: "he emptied himself". Instead of filling himself with divine power as the Son of God, he took the nature or form of a human servant. Instead of "calling 10,000 angels" to rescue him, he submitted in obedience to death on the cross. Instead of using his equality with God to fill himself, he emptied himself.

If we follow Christ's example, we'll be able to "do everything without grumbling or arguing". By emptying ourselves, we can, with humility, "shine like stars" as "blameless and pure" witnesses to the world that no matter how many challenges we face, we can be one in spirit and of mind. Like Paul, we can be "poured out like a drink offering" (Philippians 2:17) and rejoice together, with a joy that's complete.

What am I filling myself with that keeps me from being one in spirit and mind with my brothers and sisters? How can I empty myself to serve others and be more obedient to God?