The Joy of Unity
Rejoice Always – Part 7
Philippians 2:1-4
Have you ever noticed how people who start going to the gym for the first time begin to radiate a new energy? Not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and even socially. A scientific study found that people who exercised had 43% fewer days of poor mental health per month compared to those who didn’t. Another study reported that 86% of regular gym-goers said exercise improved their mood, and 70% said they felt less stressed after a workout.
Why? Because exercise releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin—the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. But it’s more than chemistry. It’s about purpose. The gym wasn’t designed to make you happy; it was designed to make you healthy. But in fulfilling its purpose, it ends up boosting your happiness too.
And the church is just like that.
The Joy of Unity
Paul opens Philippians 2 with a powerful if/then statement: “If there is any consolation in Christ, any comfort of love, any fellowship of the Spirit, any affection and mercy…” — then let it show! Let it be evident in your love, in your value for the church, and in your unity with fellow believers.
If you have truly encountered Christ, the evidence is unity. “Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” (Philippians 2:2)
Jesus prayed this for us in John 17: “That they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You… so that the world may believe that You sent Me.” Unity isn’t optional; it’s the fruit of being in Christ.
Not Uniformity, But Unity
We aren’t called to be clones. True unity isn’t about everyone being the same. It’s about shared love, shared truth, and a shared mission. Sadly, many people come to church seeking joy rather than seeking unity—and then they wonder why they don’t find what they’re looking for. It’s like going to the gym and complaining the machines don’t make you smile.
We find real purpose, encouragement, and accountability in the church. But real joy often comes from being deeply connected to others—through unity.
Paul compares this to the human body in 1 Corinthians 12. A hand has purpose only because it’s connected to the rest of the body. If it’s disconnected, it becomes useless. In the same way, many people feel unfulfilled not because the church has failed them, but because they are disconnected from its unity.
Enemies of Unity: Selfishness and Conceit
Unity is hard. That’s why Paul warns, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit.” (Philippians 2:3)
Selfish ambition: doing things to promote yourself, not Christ.
Conceit: having an inflated ego that forgets we’re saved by grace.
Unity is so powerful that even God acknowledged it at the Tower of Babel: “Nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them” (Genesis 11:6). That’s why the enemy attacks unity so aggressively.
The Path of Humility
To have unity, we don’t need money, buildings, or big names. What we need is humility.
Paul says, “In lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
In a culture that constantly says, “Put yourself first,” Jesus teaches: “Deny yourself.” True joy doesn’t come from self-focus but from selflessness. As C.S. Lewis once put it, humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.
Ask yourself:
Do I push my own way, or do I seek harmony?
Am I known for serving or for demanding?
This is the fruit of a transformed heart: “How can I serve you?” instead of “What’s in it for me?”
Joy Is On the Other Side of Selflessness
In America, they drive on the other side of the road. It can feel weird and confusing at first. In the kingdom of God, joy is also on the other side—the other side of self.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
Jesus invites us to lay down the life we think we want, so He can give us the life we were made for. That’s where joy is found.
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11)
“The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)
We often chase joy, thinking, “If I just get my way, if I just get a little more, I’ll be happy.” But it always leads to emptiness. True joy is found when we surrender, seek Christ, and pursue unity.
Let’s not just go to church. Let’s be the church—united in love, truth, and purpose. That’s where joy lives.