“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:2 NIV)
One of the most devastating works of Satan upon the Church must be its many divisions. The heart of Jesus must break to know that we (the Church) have split and splintered so many times. There are not only divisions among denominations, but there are divisions within denominations, and even within individual churches and Christian families. It was Paul’s desire that the Philippian church would unite around the One who alone could supply them encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness and compassion (v.1). For the apostle Paul, it was spiritually logical that if the Holy Spirit were the one constant behind the blessings bestowed upon all believers, then the church would be like-minded.
Is there division within your church family? How about within your Christian family? If so, we must first confess that sin, and not the working of God, has brought about the division. We must work hard to reunite the factions so that the God might be glorified in us, and we might be enabled once again to be like-minded in purpose and will. We must know that there is only one will that matters, and that is the will of God. Too often we are certain that our will is God’s will. Be certain of that or else you will be responsible for creating the division. We must unite around the truth of God’s Word and re-establish the purposes and directions of our lives, families, and churches.
May we strive to make the Lord Jesus’ joy complete by “being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”
Peace!
Pastor Tom
www.firmlyrooted.church