I’ve been reading Philippians over and over again, and a verse keeps coming to mind. Paul says in Philippians 2:2, “make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”
What does it mean to be like-minded, to be of one mind? If you’re like me, you’ve thought about this question in the context of current racial tensions and in the context of your personal life. I was going to write about a little of both, but since the Conversation on Race addressed some of the former, I’ll speak to the latter!
Ryan and I had a couple months of “normal” dating before covid hit. Let me tell you, dating during a global pandemic is quite interesting! We’ve had conversations I never would have expected. Should we social distance from each other? Why or why not? How do I welcome him into my PBCC community when we can’t gather on Sundays? When will it be safe to travel to Texas to visit his family? Usually, we have different ideas as to how to answer these questions. But we’re learning to be of one mind. It involves a lot of open sharing, a lot of listening, and seeking to understand. It involves sensitivity to the Spirit, not to mention obedience. Sometimes it means waiting. Oftentimes, it means trusting the other’s intentions or insight.
Being “of one mind” is being about what Christ is about. It’s seeking God’s heart and having His heart for others. It’s considering Christ and considering each other. I’m praying today that we, as the body of Christ, would be of one mind. I’m praying Paul’s prayer from Philippians 2:1-4:
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.