Section 3
automatically live in the way of rivalry for vain glory. The issue here is extremely serious.
Nothing was more troubling to the Apostle Paul than to learn that the saints in Philippi were living in the way of vainglory. He was very concerned that they live a crucified life. This crucified life is Christ Himself as the One who emptied Himself and humbled Himself. Taking this crucified life as our pattern opens the gate of resurrection and brings us into the power of resurrection. The exaltation which is of God will never come by way of rivalry or vainglory. The more we seek vainglory, the more shameful our situation will be. To pursue vainglory is not a glory at all; it is a shame. Likewise, when we are in rivalry with others, the result is never exalta tion. Inevitably the result is that we are brought low. The highest life on earth is the crucified life. Whenever we live a crucified life, God will bring us into the power of resurrection, and in this power we shall be exalted.
Whenever you are in rivalry with others, you are without question living in the self. We must condemn this rivalry and repudiate it. Further more, none of us should hold to any personal standing. Of course, we must stand firm for the Lord's testimony. However, we should not claim