stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 1:27c)

As a kid, I went to the circus and saw two people in a horse costume. I knew it was a fake horse.  One was the head and front two legs, and the other was the rear and back two legs. They had to work together to simulate a horse everyone knew was fake. That was the point. During their comical act, they split in two directions. If it had been a real horse, it would have been horrific!  

In Philippians 1:27, Paul asks the Philippians to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ and tells them the only way to accomplish it is to be in one spirit (or mind) and one man. This meant they had to have unity, agreement, and cooperation in motive, thought, words, and actions. Like the two guys in the horse costume, the Philippian church had to lead well, know the plan, and stay in step with one another. This wasn’t a silly comedy act like the two guys in the horse. This was the serious proclamation and expansion of the gospel to the ends of the earth. The church isn’t a fake horse act but an actual demonstration of the hope that is Christ! The church’s ability to cooperate in true spiritual oneness to minister, shepherd, and contend for gospel matters in a way that honored the Lord and one another could have furthered or hindered God’s work through the church in Philippi.  

What can cause the church to not be of one mind and man?  Picture the horse again – division! Something to consider, the moment we saw it divide was not the moment it split.  There was a plan to separate all along.  While the church (hopefully) does not plan to be divisive, allowing and prolonging factions in the church will produce division. The church must guard against blatant sins such as slander, gossip, backbiting, lying, unjust criticism, distrust, rebellion, and bitterness.  While there may not be an instant break of the church like the horse costume, there can be a gradual tearing apart at the seams.  

We must be, as Ephesians 4:32 says, “kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” God knows how to “make two become one and tear down the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14).  His Spirit teaches us to “be of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, and intent on one purpose” by “doing nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:2-4). 

Questions for the Head (Think)

• Are your motives, thoughts, actions, and words divisive or unifying regarding the gospel and the church?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• Ask the Lord to remove any divisive spirit from your life.  Ask Him for humility and His attitude (Philippians 2:5).

Action for the Hands (Do)Repent to those you have been divisive, even if it seems insignificant. Find ways to support the gospel mission in your church humbly.