(6 min read)
There is a way to find unity in our increasingly divided and divisive world, and it starts with the practice of humility.
I recently preached a sermon on the concept of humility. It was part of our “Dear Church” series, looking at what we can learn from the apostle Paul’s letter to the first-century Philippian church. I chose to focus on the idea of humility, because I believe humility is the antidote to the toxic polarization and conflict that’s enveloped so much of our modern culture.
Think of it as “humility with purpose.”
It doesn’t take a political debate to remind us what a divided – and divisive – world we live in. Spend 5 minutes on social media, or the comments section on a recent news story, and it’s plain to see that we just can’t seem to get along anymore.
The argumentative division used to happen anonymously online, but it has grown to ruin our dinner tables. It’s not just online anymore but in our living rooms.
In an era marked by polarization and discord, the need for unity has never been more pressing. We’re at our worst when we treat people like they’re less than us just because they don’t think like us.
The Bible has a lot to say about bridging divides and coming together, even when the forces pulling us apart are strong.
Philippians 2:1-13 offers timeless wisdom that speaks powerfully to our modern context:
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” ~Phillippians 2:1-4
(Read the entire passage here.)
Let's explore four key principles from this passage that can guide us in fostering unity today.
1. Recognize the Destructive Power of Self-Centeredness
The apostle Paul, writing to a church experiencing both external persecution and internal division, pinpoints two attitudes at the root of disunity: selfish ambition, and empty glory (or arrogance).
These mindsets, which prioritize personal gain and status over the well-being of others, are as prevalent now as they were in ancient Philippi. Maybe even more so.
We see their modern manifestations everywhere: in cutthroat corporate cultures, in the dehumanizing rhetoric of political campaigns, in social media battles where the goal is to "win" rather than understand.
Even within faith communities, the temptation to elevate certain leaders or factions as superior can fracture fellowship.
The first step toward unity, then, is honest self-examination. Where have we allowed the pursuit of our own agenda, recognition, or "rightness" to damage relationships?
How might our words or actions, even unintentionally, communicate that we see others as competitors rather than collaborators in building a better world? And lastly, how can this honest self-awareness grow into self-regulation regardless of how the other person is treating me?
2. Cultivate Christ-like Humility
In stark contrast to self-promotion, Paul calls believers to "in humility value others above yourselves" (Phil. 2:3). He then presents the ultimate model: Jesus Christ, who did not exploit his divine status for personal advantage but "made himself nothing" for our sake (2:7).
This radical humility – choosing to lower oneself for the good of others – is the antidote to division. It doesn't mean having low self-esteem or being a doormat. Rather, it's about shifting our fundamental orientation from self-interest to sacrificial love.
In daily practice, this might look like:
- Truly listening to understand those with different views, rather than just waiting for our turn to speak
- Willingly taking on unglamorous tasks at work or in community organizations
- Championing the contributions and successes of others instead of seeking the spotlight
- Approaching disagreements with genuine openness to learning and growing
- Entering a conversation with the sole intention of listening and asking questions
Living this way isn't easy; it runs counter to many of our cultural values. But as we internalize the story of Christ – the God who humbled himself even to death on a cross – we discover that the path downward is actually the way up. True greatness, and lasting unity, comes through serving.
3. Commit to the Common Good
A third insight from Philippians is the importance of looking "to the interests of others" (2:4). While Paul isn't advocating neglecting legitimate self-care, he envisions a community where everyone's basic orientation is other-centered.
He isn’t reinventing the relational wheel. He’s talking about empathy.
This speaks to our need for shared objectives that transcend group boundaries and require collaborative effort. When people from diverse backgrounds unite around a common mission, perceived differences often fade into the background.
What might this look like today?
Perhaps its neighbors across the political spectrum joining forces to address local food insecurity. Maybe it's people of varied faith traditions partnering to welcome refugees or combat climate change. Or it could be a workplace where team members set aside internal competition to rally around delighting customers in new ways.
The key is moving beyond isolated acts of kindness (though those matter!) to adopting lifestyles oriented around mutual thriving. We're not called to occasional photo ops of serving others, but to the ongoing work of creating structures and cultures where everyone can flourish.
4. Draw on Divine Power
Finally, Paul reminds the Philippians that living out this (comm)unity-building humility isn't something they do by sheer willpower. Rather, it flows from "God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose" (2:13).
This is profoundly encouraging news for all of us who resonate with the ideal of cruciform living but find the actual practice daunting. Yes, we're to "work out [our] salvation with fear and trembling" (2:12) – to take seriously the awesome call to imitate Christ's self-giving love. But we do so knowing it's ultimately God's power at work within us, partnering with our efforts.
What's more, the text suggests that when we embrace this journey, we're bringing joy to the heart of God. The phrase often translated as God's "good purpose" can also mean his "good pleasure." In other words, the Creator of the universe delights in joining with us to foster the unity he desires!
This divine perspective reframes the whole endeavor. Bridging divides isn't just about minimizing conflict or making our communities more pleasant. It's about participating in God's mission to reconcile all things to himself.
Every time we choose humility over pride, every time we risk discomfort to understand "the other," we're tapping into something far bigger than ourselves.
The Road Ahead: A Perpetual Calling
As we seek to apply these principles – recognizing the harm of self-interest, cultivating Christlike humility, committing to the common good, and drawing on God's power – we must remember that unity-building is not a one-time achievement. It's an ongoing process requiring vigilance, especially when the fruit isn't immediately visible.
The reality is, choosing the downward path of humility will often feel countercultural, even costly. We may face misunderstanding or pushback, sometimes from the very people we're trying to reach across divides to. But if the example of Jesus teaches us anything, it's that transformative love perseveres.
So may we be those who, in a fragmented world, stubbornly insist on seeing the humanity in everyone.
May we be those who consistently empty ourselves of status-seeking, trusting that as we do, God is at work fulfilling his purposes.
And may we be those who, even in the face of entrenched division, never stop extending the hand of friendship – knowing that each small act of other-centeredness ripples outward in ways we may never fully grasp this side of eternity.
For it's not in grand gestures but in the day-to-day living of "the same mindset as Christ Jesus" (Phil 2:5) that true unity is forged. As we partner with God and each other in this holy work, we become living proof that a different way is possible. We embody the hope that what sin has fragmented, divine love can restore.
Click here to watch a sermon based on this passage about humility and unity.
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