Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:1-4

An orchestra’s composed of gifted and trained musicians, led by a conductor who knows all the parts and capabilities of each instrument. At the highest level, the music has been written and arranged by a genius, and is considered a masterpiece. Despite all these factors, if each instrument is not in tune, or if one player decides that his or her part needs to be heard above all others, the performance will be ruined.

Paul observed all the necessary traits (encouragement, love, fellowship, affection, compassion) in the church at Philippi, but also the potentially ruinous presence of selfishness. He wanted to hear perfection, as would any conductor (or audience), and this could only happen with selflessness, perhaps the hardest Christian attribute to pull off.

That led him to the example of Christ (Phil. 2:5).