stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 2:2)

Unity is very different from uniformity.  Unity comes from inward Christlike character like humility and selflessness, aims to promote Christ and His mission, and results in joy.  Uniformity comes from outward Christless character like pride and selfishness, has the goal of promoting flesh and greed, and results in division.  Those desiring unity willingly do the will of Christ while putting Him first.  Those desiring uniformity forcefully do their own will and put themselves first. I’ve seen both play out in church, family, marriage, friendships, parenting, businesses, and every other relationship.  I’ve seen jealousy, faction, selfishness, rudeness, gossip, slander, and lying ruin church leadership, mission, and vision. I’ve seen disunity that lacked Christ’s love, like-mindedness, and oneness of spirit kill a church staff and rob it of joy!  Where there is unity, there will be joy in Christ’s presence.  Where there is disunity, there will be strife, and Christ will be absent!

In Philippians 2:2, Paul appeals to the Philippians’ inner character that comes from being in Christ (v. 1).  He completes his “if/then” statement by saying the five marks (v. 1) should produce a unity that brings him joy (v. 2).  He mentions four components at the end of verse two that parallel those mentioned in verse 1.  His redundancy emphasizes their importance in producing Christian unity.  First, he asked them to be “like-minded.”  This, again, is not uniformity but unity.  They were to be united in Christ and His mission.  Second, Paul told them to have the “same love.”

The love of Christ is a constant theme in Scripture and Philippians (1:9, 16; 2:1; 4:1). The absence of unity accompanies the lack of Christ’s love.  Third, He said they must be “one in spirit.”  This only happens as we are one with His Spirit.  This means we walk together in mission that stems from being in the faith or having placed our faith in Christ.  Fourth, Paul repeated his command to be of “one mind.”  Our unity begins in our thoughts about Christ, one another, the church’s mission, and doing God’s will.  If these are sincerely sought with pure motives, we will bring others joy (like it did for Paul) and be full of joy that stems from being one in Christ.

Questions for the Head (Think)

• Do you demonstrate Christlike like-mindedness, love, and oneness of spirit in your relationships, especially those in the church?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• As you pray and meditate on Philippians 2:2 (include v. 1), allow the Spirit to show you where you are weak and strong in the qualities needed for unity.  Invite Him to grow you in every area mentioned.

Action for the Hands (Do)

• List three ways you have been like-minded as a church member in the last month.  List three ways you have been loving towards church members.  List three ways you have been one in spirit to fulfill the mission of the gospel.