Who are you thinkin' about...today?

In the letter to the Philippians, Paul begins to put  emphasis on some of the results we should be able to see in having our faith centered on Christ Jesus. He becomes more specific as he points out how the power the Holy Spirit invests the True Love of Christ Jesus in each of us through  acts of unity and humility, following in the footsteps of the One who made it possible for us to actually participate in such acts... by His Life here on earth.
 In Paul's day, walking in humility was too often translated into one who is weak. Paul, from his own conversion to Christ Jesus, has now discovered this is an outright lie!...straight from the pits of Hell! When Christ Jesus walked among us, His entire Life was demonstrated in total humility...beginning with the fact He humbled Himself by becoming...one of us!
 Now Paul is reminding us...don't go back to selfishness...and putting confidence and interest in your own selves...isn't that a major contributor in your decision to come to Christ Jesus in the first place?...self-interest is a dead-end road...right?

Here then is a Gleaning from Philippians 2:1-4

 " Know this: our encouragement begins and ends...in Christ Jesus! In fact, receiving His love for each one of us is the "very heart" of our true comfort...now!
 Allow me to ask this: "If His love has actually made a difference in your own life, if the Holy Spirit has been able to make an impact in regards to your friendships with one another, and if your hearts have been persuaded through His very Presence in your lives that He really loves you...to the point where not only is His compassion swelling in your own hearts but has overfilled within you and now you are sharing His love with others, then have you not found some meaning to Life itself...and that it all originates in Him?"

 Here then is what I might add...to fill up and complete the Joy of knowing Him I have found in my own heart and life: learn to work together as one mind! Have a type of harmony among you that causes you to be of one purpose...that is to love one another...deeply! "Be real" about these friendships you now have.
 Back away from thoughts and acts that are of a selfish motive. Don't become jealous over one another, and don't go around "talkin' smack" about your personal accomplishments.
 Along with that, don't be finding some way to "push yourself to the top", and don't try and "sweet talk" your way to the top either. Do this instead, put yourself on the "sidelines", and root for the others "on the playing field". Don't be having a "pity party" while on the "sidelines"...in other words...don't get so wrapped up in yourself and become obsessed with only the concerns you have...neglecting others who might really need your support...right now! Hello?? Are you hearing me?
 Listen, take the time to care about others...and make it a high priority to give your attention and interest...in them! Lend a hand whenever and wherever you can! Give to others your undivided attention...and follow through! Don't just say nice words and let it go at that.
 Here is a good rule of thumb: Care about others...as much as you care about yourself!"