 |
| Green Lake, Wisconsin |
Frank Thielman, in his commentary on Philippians, shares Dietrich Bonhoeffer's seven principles for eradicating selfish ambition from Christian communities. (106).
Christians should…
- Hold their tongues, refusing to speak uncharitably about a Christian brother;
- Cultivate the humility that comes from understanding that they, like Paul, are the greatest of sinners and can only live in God’s sight by his grace;
- Listen “long and patiently” so they will understand their fellow Christian’s need;
- Refuse to consider their time and calling so valuable that they cannot be interrupted to help with unexpected needs, no matter how small or menial;
- Bear the burden of their brothers and sisters in the Lord, both by preserving their freedom and by forgiving their sinful abuse of that freedom;
- Declare God’s word to their fellow believers when they need to hear it;
- Understand that Christian authority is characterized by service and does not call attention to the person who performs the service.
