Editorial – August 2025

‘Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves’, Phil. 2. 3.

Often the first verses of this chapter are overlooked in a rush to the amazing doctrinal truths found in verses 5 to 11, and yet they are at the root of why the apostle, inspired by the Holy Spirit, unfolds the ‘mind of Christ’.

It would be tragic if the motive of interaction with our fellow saints were to be either ‘strife’ or ‘vainglory’ and yet, sadly, as demonstrated in the assembly at Philippi, it can be. It behoves us therefore to carefully and seriously consider not only what we do, but also our motives.

In his Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, W. E. VINE indicates that the word ‘strife’, Gk. erithia, does not so much convey the idea of conflict or disagreement, but rather of ambition, self-seeking, one who would be prepared to spin the truth for their own advantage, the result of which is factions in the assembly.

In a world that is dominated by ‘spindoctors’, whose art seems to lie in manipulating the truth to win followers and promote themselves or their agenda, we do well to examine our motives to ensure we are not motivated by self-interest and to humbly put the interest of others at the heart of our thinking. It is sadly the case that unity and harmony in many an assembly has been destroyed by those who put their personal agenda above the interests of others or the company as a whole.

God grant us each the humility and grace to examine ourselves before the Lord and learn from the mind of Christ.

Once again, as we send this issue of the magazine to press, it would be our prayer that the articles, which the authors have expended much effort in writing, would be an encouragement and challenge to the readers.

Sandy Jack
Ministry Articles Editor