Unity Through Humility

Philippians 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.

Application: 

In the kingdom of God, you can measure greatness by looking at a service record. Paul thus urges the Philippian Christians to embrace a servant mindset, putting Christ’s mission and others’ good before their own. If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, he says, make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 

Notice the word same. That relates to harmony and unity. A servant thinks in terms of pulling things together, not tearing things apart. A servant asks, “Is what I’m about to do or say going to make things better, or is it going to make things worse?”

Paul isn’t arguing for harmony and unity at all costs. Truth isn’t to be compromised in the name of harmony. But neither is the truth set forth to the exclusion of love. In dealing with the truth, expressing the truth, and communicating the truth, the goal is still unity.

Consider an example from sports. A football team is unified, not because every player plays the same position—that would be uniformity. A football team is unified because they are operating in harmony to reach the same goal line. Each player is playing his position with the objective of either helping his team score or stopping the opposing team from scoring. Everyone is moving in the same direction.

Why is unity so important? Because the Spirit doesn’t work in disunity. Where there is disunity, the Spirit of God backs up. Conversely, where there is unity, the Spirit of God is at home. So, if we are going to have the mindset of a servant, which is the key to greatness in the kingdom of God, we must choose to pursue harmony and unity without losing uniqueness.

Reference: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 1240.

To God be the glory!

Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

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Disclaimer
When God inspires me, I write or post articles that glorify God. I invite you to view this post as a Bible study. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, I encourage you to search the Scriptures to determine whether what I have posted is true. Always consult your church ministers regarding biblical matters. I am not a professional writer, so there may be grammatical or spelling errors. I strive to write as clearly and efficiently as possible. My prayer is that this message will inspire you to seek the Lord with all your heart and bring glory to His Holy name. Your brother in Christ, Ricardo.