I'll Buy, You Fly

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:1-4 ESV). One of the perks of being in the ministry is the many opportunities to go out to eat with folks. It is not unusual to have meetings scheduled around breakfast or lunch. They are great; however, the times I most enjoy are the spontaneous times of fellowship around a meal. Not long ago I was spending some time with a friend and it was lunch time. I suggested we ride into town and get a bite to eat. The natural conversation of “where” and “what do you like” ensued. I simply said, “I’ll buy; you fly.” He looked at me oddly, obviously not understanding that idiom. So I explained that if he would drive I’d buy the meal. I didn’t care where he chose, just as long as he would drive. It was merely a way of cooperating together toward a common goal. Our reading today is a strong indication of this principle working in our lives. The apostle encourages the church to “be of the same mind.” Paul wanted them to recognize that while they may take different paths in life, they should seek to end at the same place. The goal should always be to be of one mind and spirit in the fellowship and the family. It is the practice of humility. Andrew Murray said: “Humility is perfect quietness of heart. It is for me to have no trouble; never to be fretted or vexed or irritated or sore or disappointed. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me and when I am blamed or despised. It is to have a blessed home in the Lord where I can go in and shut the door and kneel to my Father in secret and be at peace as in a deep sea of calmness when all around is trouble. It is the fruit of the Lord Jesus Christ’s redemptive work on Calvary’s cross, manifested in those of His own who are definitely subject to the Holy Spirit.” I have found that as I become more interested in that kind of relationship, I am more perfectly at ease with all of my circumstances. I find a greater peace in whatever happens. So much of what seems so important at the time fades into the backdrop of eternity and the promise of eternal life. Perhaps you are at a place in your life now that you are feeling uneasy; try letting go of the controls. It might amaze you how quickly you get “control.” “I’ll buy, you fly” works in relationship!