Here is the truly Christian life, here is faith really working by love,
when a man applies himself with joy and love to the works of that freest
servitude in which he serves others voluntarily and for nought, himself
abundantly satisfied in the fulness and riches of his own faith.
Thus, when Paul had taught the Philippians how they had been made
rich by that faith in Christ in which they had obtained all things,
he teaches them further in these words: "If there be therefore any
consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of
the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be
like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let
nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind
let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his
own things, but every man also on the things of others" (Phil. ii. 1-4).
In this we see clearly that the Apostle lays down this rule for a
Christian life: that all our works should be directed to the advantage
of others, since every Christian has such abundance through his faith
that all his other works and his whole life remain over and above
wherewith to serve and benefit his neighbour of spontaneous goodwill.
To this end he brings forward Christ as an example, saying, "Let this
mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form
of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of
no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made
in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled
Himself, and became obedient unto death" (Phil.
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