1/26/26, 6:00 PM

Dawn Hunter, CNCR Executive Director

My church is going through the book of Joy, Philippians, and I have to share the joyful news of this wonderful Word.

Philippians 2 calls us to more than belief—it calls us to formation. After lifting our eyes to Christ, who emptied Himself in humility and obedience, Paul invites us to follow the same path. Jesus is not only our Savior. He is our model and our transformed mind. “Therefore, my dear friends… continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:12–13)

Working It Out: Salvation with a Direction

To “work out” our salvation is not to earn this gift, it is to bring it to its intended, logical and eternal outcome. What God has graciously placed within us is meant to be expressed through our lives. Salvation that stays internal is incomplete. Grace that transforms the heart also reshapes our posture, our relationships, and our devotion.

Paul immediately connects this to how we live together: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing… then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” (vv. 14–16)

Poured Out Like a Libation

Paul uses a striking image: “Even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.” (v. 17) A libation offering was not flashy. It was quietly poured out, often unseen, fully given to God. Paul describes his life and ministry as an act of devotion, emptied willingly for the sake of others. This mirrors Christ Himself: “He made Himself nothing… taking the nature of a servant.” (Phil. 2:7)

To have the mind of Christ is to live poured out, not burned out.
Devotion, not depletion.
Joy, not resentment.

Emptying Ourselves with Devotion

At CareNetworkCR, this posture shapes how we serve. Emptying ourselves does not mean erasing dignity, ours or anyone else’s. Instead, it creates space for mutual transformation, a core principle echoed by the Chalmers Center:

• Human dignity is sacred and every person reflects God’s image.
• Participation over paternalism, people are not projects, but partners.
• Asset-based ministry, God has already placed gifts and strengths within communities.
• Word and deed together, faith expressed through love-filled action.

When ministry is poured out with humility, it becomes worship. C.S. Lewis captured this well: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”

Fixed Lights for a Wandering World

Paul’s vision is not of believers flickering on and off but of fixed steady lights, steady and visible: “Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.” Stars do not chase travelers. Stars stay in place, faithful, consistent—so others can navigate by their light.

In a world marked by confusion, noise, and division, the Church is called to be a constant reference point, holding firmly to the Word of Life while pointing clearly toward God.

C.S. Lewis also reminds us: “Every Christian would agree that a man’s spiritual health is exactly proportional to his love for God and for other men.”

Shining as We Are Poured Out

Philippians 2:12–18 invites us into a holy rhythm:

• God works in us
• We work it outward with Him, bearing His fruit
• We are poured out in devotion
• And we become fixed lights, guiding others toward Christ

This is the mind of Christ.
This is faith with direction.
This is love made visible.