Daily Reading, 9/9

First of all, happy 9/9/9! It only happens once every 100 years, so enjoy it while you can.

Today's reading is taken from the New Testament; specifically, it's Phillipians 2:1-11. Scholars aren't completely in agreement as to whether or not this was one letter or perhaps a combination of texts. Interestingly, today's passage includes an early Christian hymn (verses 6-11). The first two chapters of the book are marked by Paul's joyful tone in his writing to the Phillipians. I have to admit that sometimes Paul can be incredibly dense and hard to read, but in today's passage he makes a point that, I think, is pretty clear. Thus, I'm just going to quote it:

"If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand." (Phillipians 2:1-4; The Message).

I don't think I need to say more than that; Paul puts it quite nicely!!!