Philippians 2:1–3 (NKJV)
1 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.
Encouragement! I read one time that encouragement was placing courage in
another person. How many need encouragement? God’s calling to Joshua
was one of encouragement. Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be
strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD
your God is with you wherever you go.”
God calls us to do the difficult the seemingly impossible. God calls us to do
that which can only be done with Him living and working in us. God’s call to
Joshua was not a suggestion, it was a command with a promise. The
command was to be strong! Be of good courage! Do not be afraid!, Do not
be dismayed! Why, how could Joshua be any of these things? The promise
was, that God was with him.
DO NOT LISTEN TO THE NAYSAYERS; those who deny, refuse, oppose, or are
skeptical or cynical about God’s calling and work in your life. Do not be a
naysayer! Do not be one who thwarts God’s calling in another person.
We are to have the “Mind of Christ.” Working together. Remembering we are
part of a team pointing others to Jesus. Helping others to grow in Christ.
Verse 3 is important. Selfish ambition does not work well in God’s Kingdom.
Building oneself up in His Kingdom is not encouragement. What we do
should be done to build others up not in our way of doing, but in accordance
with Christ’s calling and work in each individual life.
God has not called us to be lone rangers. God calls the church to be unified
within Him. Never allow anything to come into God’s church that would
cause division.
I learned long ago before I can help others I need to make sure my life is
right with God. I needed to let the comfort and encouragement of Christ to
flow in my life. When I become discouraged or disturbed, I need to allow
God’s comfort to flow through me. This is why some things are important in
my life. My daily devotion starts my day. I need to be in the Word of God.