July 3 - Downward Love, Upward Joy
“In humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
— Philippians 2:3-4
Point 1 – Receive the Humility of Christ
Paul does not begin by wagging his finger; he starts with gifts already ours: “encouragement in Christ … comfort from His love … participation in the Spirit” (v. 1). Followers of Christ cherish this order from God—gift before task. In Baptism, Christ grafted us into His self-emptying life (Rom 6:3-4); now His humility is counted as ours (Phil 3:9). Like a branch drawing sap from the vine (John 15:4-5), we serve only because we first receive.
Check out: 2 Cor 8:9; Mark 10:45; Isa 42:3.
Reflect: Picture Jesus stooping to wash dusty feet (John 13:5). Hear Him whisper, “I cleanse you first—then you may wash one another.”
Point 2 – Practice the Humility of Christ (Vocation)
Because Christ knelt, we rise for our neighbor. Martin Luther called every workplace “a mask of God”; behind ordinary duties, God hides, pouring daily bread through cooks, mechanics, parents. Ask: Whose load can my shoulders lighten today? Maybe it is:
Analyze & Plan – List two friends’ needs and schedule one concrete aid.
Build & Do – Quietly finish a task that frees another’s time.
Imagine & Encourage – Write a note naming a hidden strength you see in them.
Review & Adjust – Tonight, journal where pride crept in; confess it, receive God’s grace, and begin again tomorrow.
Check out: Gal 5:13; Prov 11:25; 1 Pet 4:10.
Point 3 – Embody the Humility of Christ (Community)
Paul’s joy “complete” is a church of one mind (v. 2). Unity is not cloned personalities but shared direction, the Cross at the center. In worship, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder to confess “we have sinned … in thought, word, and deed” and then all receive the same forgiveness and grace from God. Weekly liturgies and times of worship re-pattern instincts from self-assertion to mutual regard. Practices like communion, confession, and devotional journaling place every saint and struggler at one table (1 Cor 10:16-17). Here, pride melts and compassion grows.
Check out: Col 3:12-14; Eph 4:1-3; Ps 133:1.
Community Exercise: Before Sunday service, pray for those seated around you. Ask God to show you one person’s interest you can champion this week.
Closing Prayer
Crucified and Risen Lord, You valued us above Your own life. Flood our hearts with that same mind so pride loses its grip and our neighbors taste Your kindness. Teach us to kneel with You today and rise with You in the resurrection joy that honors the Father. Amen.