A Higher Standard

Philippians 2:2 KJV

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Philippians two is one of my favorite passages in the epistles of Paul.

• The elevated portrait of Jesus Christ is sublime
• The ideal of Christian character is visionary.
• His mention of the two great companions, Timothy and Epaphroditus is inspiring 

But in this reading, I was more interested in the challenge of the text. One could and perhaps should see it  rather as “a hard saying”. There is here:

A high ideal

To take vs 2-4 as a command rather than a sentiment changes the mood of the chapter entirely. These are more than beautiful words; these are the express commands of God. And they are more than a little challenging to obey. 

A higher example

Vs 5-11 set the Lord as our measure, our standard. When we have complied with these commands to the same degree as Christ we have a cause to relax. Today's Christianity seems to regale itself in relaxing the standards. I believe the New Testament actually means to heighten them. 

A sad remark

Vs 20 might be seen as a superlative. Paul, some could say, was not implying that everyone else sought their own and not the things of Christ. They might argue that Paul meant Timothy was such a godly man that he stood out among godly men. But what if that is not what Paul meant? What if we take this literally? What if he meant to say that there was no one else at his disposal that put the things of Christ above his own cares? That would mean that, even with the Apostle present, the majority failed to reach toward the standard he had set. 

And if it was true them how much more it must be true today.

Where are those today who, like Timothy, will set said their own cares to seek only the things of Christ?