Be of One Mind

The apostle Paul urged the church in Philippi to stand firm in one spirit, to be of one mind, and to strive side by side together for the gospel. He paints a great picture of the unity of the body of Christ, but this has always been a challenge for the church. Paul and Barnabas struggled to be of the same mind. Euodia and Syntychte struggled to agree in the Lord. Whitefield and Wesley were not able to strive together side by side for the gospel, at least for a season. If the two great missionaries of the early church and the two great leaders of the First Great Awakening couldn’t make this work, what hope do we have as ordinary believers today? The answer lies in our personal, saving experience with the triune God. Because we have such encouragement in Christ, and know the steadfast love of the Father, and have fellowship with the same Holy Spirit, this kind of unity can become a reality. (Philippians 2.1-2) January 6, 2025

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we delve into the profound call for unity within the body of Christ, as articulated by the Apostle Paul in his letters to the early churches. Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians and Corinthians emphasizes the necessity of being united in spirit and purpose, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. This unity is not merely a superficial agreement but a deep, spiritual oneness that reflects the unity of the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Despite the challenges and historical examples of division within the church, such as the disagreements between Paul and Barnabas or the theological rift between George Whitefield and John Wesley, the call to unity remains paramount.

The difficulty of achieving such unity is acknowledged, as even Spirit-filled believers have preferences and differing opinions on non-essential matters. The challenge lies in discerning what is essential to the gospel and what is not, and in choosing the means and methods to advance the gospel mission. Yet, the encouragement, comfort, and fellowship we receive from our relationship with Christ, the love of God, and the Holy Spirit should empower us to transcend these differences.

Paul’s message is clear: the individual experience of salvation should flow into a corporate experience of unity within the church. This unity is not just a lofty ideal but a practical reality that can be achieved by focusing on our shared salvation experience and the essential doctrines of the faith. The life and ministry of figures like Whitefield and Wesley remind us that, despite disagreements, the common cause of the gospel and the love for one another should prevail.

As we move forward, let us strive to embody this unity, allowing our shared experiences in Christ to bind us together in love and purpose. May our commitment to the gospel and to one another be so strong that it overcomes any divisions, enabling us to promote the common cause of the gospel effectively.