The crux of the unity matter comes down to this: the only way God’s people can have any semblance of unity is found in adopting a “humility of mind.” So simple to state, so difficult to do. Partial humility is not enough. Occasional humility won’t do. Selective humility is insufficient. In the original language the word “nothing” is in the position of emphasis. We are to do absolutely “nothing” out of “selfishness or empty conceit.” One moment of prideful acts or words can set in place a rift between believers that can last a long time.

The word translated “selfishness” has the sense of strife caused by personal ambition. This is when conflict arises because of self-promotion. It is followed by “empty conceit” which could be literally translated “vainglory.” A person who is vain is one who seeks after his own glory, narcissism at whatever level is important to him. It is vain, because any glory achieved this way is superficial, self-made (which ironically is utterly empty) and temporary. It is like singing to an empty auditorium, then when finished running down to the front row seat and giving yourself a standing ovation. This attitude does not bring about the unity of God’s people.

The Philippians had a good example of such wrong behavior in the people who preached while Paul was in prison, “… the[y] proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives…” (Phil 1:17). Yes, it is possible to preach God’s word for one’s own personal glory. But this comes with a consequence. James tells us, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing” (James 3:16). Paul was glad the gospel was at least being preached, but such preaching would not bring about unity.

The upside to this conversation, though, is simple: we need to embrace an attitude and take an action. The attitude is humility, the action is to look out for the interest of others. Inner thinking breeds outward behavior.

Humility is not a matter of putting down and thinking negatively about oneself. Rather it is to think soberly of oneself (Rom 12:3) and think highly of others. Humble interest is not for self-aggrandizing curiosity to satisfy our “need to know.” Rather it is to show concern for others for their good, with the goal to make oneself available to the other. If everyone in the Christian community were to act this way, it would cover all the times that each of us individually falls short of genuine humility.