Like-minded

I recently had the opportunity to speak at our Staff Chapel on Romans 15:5-6: Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NKJV)

This week let's consider briefly a few key points of this Scripture.

We are to be like-minded.

"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by BEING OF THE SAME MIND, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." Philippians 2:1-3 (caps mine)

What does it mean to be like-minded? It does not mean that we all think exactly alike. Paul gives 3 descriptions of like-mindedness.

1. "Having the same love." It would be difficult if not impossible to be like-minded with someone that does not love Jesus. That is why God tells us not to be unequally yoked. "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?"1

2. Being of one accord: "to be consistent or in harmony"2

3. Of one mind : "...walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call - one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."3

As followers of Jesus Christ, we have this in common with all other believers: We all love and serve Jesus Christ. This agreement provides a solid foundation upon which to build like-mindedness.

Diane

1 2 Corinthians 6:14

2 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accord accessed 07.08.09

3 Ephesians 4:1-6