Meeting of the Minds
Today’s Verse:
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. ~Philippians 2:2
We live in a world of differences. When two parties are discussing business points before they sign off, they must come to a meeting of the minds. No two people can go forward on an important matter unless there is a meeting of the minds. In Phil. 2 we see Paul making a strong emphasis on the virtue of being likeminded.
We see the command.
“Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Likemindedness is how we attain and maintain unity in our church. In Philippians 2:1, Paul says, “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies.” In essence, the true practice of our care, comfort, and compassion towards all members of the church is centered in having the same mind towards each other. First, likemindedness helps us to avoid the problem of favoritism. Second, likemindedness helps us to avoid cliques. Third, likemindedness seeks to serve one another. Our mind should always be, “How can I help the other members in the body of Christ?”
We see the compatibility.
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Our Lord Jesus Christ is the supreme model and pattern for likemindedness. In Philippians 2:5-8, our Lord Jesus humbled Himself in order to give His life as the payment price for sin. Paul couldn’t help but remind us that as we struggle with people that are difficult to serve, our Lord Jesus “made himself of no reputation, humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Paul was instructing us to be willing to make whatever sacrifices necessary for serving others by looking at Jesus as our supreme pattern. We must compare to Christ’s model in order to be pleasing to God.
We see the commendation.
“But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.” Paul needed to send the most reliable person possible to help minister to the hurting saints at Philippi. Hands down, this was none other than Timothy. In referring to Timothy as being likeminded, he literally meant that they had an equal soul. Timothy knew what Paul wanted done and could fulfill this request because of his great servant attitude. So many people serve in churches, but have a different agenda and perspective in trying to get this done. Paul identified Timothy as the ONLY MAN who had the same heart, desire, and mind as Paul. Next time you are asked to serve, be sure you have the same mind as the leader who has cared enough to ask you to help.
We see the commitment.
“I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.” These two sisters had a major conflict that caused a breach in fellowship and hindered God’s work. Paul wraps up everything he taught earlier in requesting these two sisters to make a commitment towards likemindedness. Likemindedness takes work, humility, commitment, and much patience with one another. To be other than likeminded is a losing proposition to the church, the brethren, the work of the Lord, and our fellowship with God. If you are dealing with a breach in fellowship with other believers you are serving with, it’s time to make a commitment to being of one mind.
There must be a meeting of the minds when it comes to the body of Christ and serving the Lord. Take a few minutes to reflect upon what Paul instructed, and live in the joy of being a likeminded Christian!
Have a Christ-minded God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: John 13-15
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