Thursday, March 18, 2010

Be Life-minded (Phil. 2:1-2)

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
(Philippians 2:1-2, NKJV)

Chapter 1 ends with Paul’s assertion that we will suffer, but then he begins chapter 2 with great hope. Yes, we will suffer, but we will be consoled and comforted as we fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

We’re exhorted to be “like-minded.” Oh, if this were only true in the body of Christ. Think about it. If every single Christ-follower followed the Bible, truly loved others, was merciful, was mindful … what an example the Church would be to the world.

Instead, the world hears of dissension, disagreements, finger-pointing. My way of doing this ritual is better than yours. You should be doing this instead of that.

How can we expect the consolation and comfort of love that comes through fellowship with others when we are so caught up in our differences instead of what draws us together: the gospel of Christ.

Let’s “fulfill [Paul’s] joy” even 2000 years later. Let’s be of one accord. Let’s have the same love. Genuine Christ-honoring love.

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