Philippians 3:15 - Meaning and Application

The apostle has just held himself out as an example, and now he urges the Philippians to follow it. Let the same mind be in us that was in blessed Paul. We can see how Paul thought, and we should think the same way, setting our hearts on Christ and heaven as he did.

He says this was the point on which all true Christians agreed: Christ is everything to them, and they set their hearts on the life to come. This is what we have already reached together. Even if good Christians differ about other matters, they are united in this, that Christ is a Christian’s all, and that to gain Christ and be found in him is our happiness now and forever. So let us live by the same rule and aim at the same thing. If we have made Christ our all, then for us to live must be Christ. Let us press on toward the goal and make heaven our aim.

This is also a strong reason why Christians who disagree about smaller matters should still be patient with one another. They are one in the main matter. If any of you think differently, if you differ about food, special days, or other parts of the Jewish law, do not judge one another. You all meet in Christ as your center, and you hope to meet soon in heaven as your home.

As for other points where you differ, do not place too much weight on them. God will make these things clear to you too. Whatever it is you disagree about, wait until God gives you better understanding, which he will do at the right time. In the meantime, go forward together in the ways of God as far as you have already understood. Join together in the great things you all agree on, and wait for more light in the smaller matters where you differ.