On The Same Page
Today’s Verse:
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. ~Philippians 2:2-3
If you work with people to any degree, you have probably experienced conflicts. Conflicts occur when there is disagreement regarding precepts, principles, preferences, and practices. Conflicts occur when we and the people we have the conflict with are not on the same page. Most conflicts are a result of difference of perceptions and preferences. Our sinful nature would rather assign blame to the other person and wait for them to turn around to be in agreement with us versus a biblical solution. Even within our Baptist ranks, conflicts arise, personalities are hurt, and relationships are fractured. Our devotion this morning gives us a surefire, biblical solution to conflict resolution and how those with conflicts can be on the same page.
We must strive for likemindedness.
Likemindedness implies we seek to be on the same page. Is the conflict a preference or personality issue? If so, there is room for likemindedness. The goal is to have one, single mind about the ultimate goal. Our dominating attitude is to love one another. Our goal is not to be in competition, strife, or division. Likemindedness seeks understanding and relationship accord, and not division or hurt. It means we do our part to reach out to the other person we have a conflict with and not wait for them to reach out to us first. The opposite of likemindedness is divided minds. Let’s seek to be like minded by having a loving attitude.
We must strive for lowliness of mind.
This one is humanly difficult. Lowliness of mind demands humility on our part. It means we apply respect and promotion of the other above ourselves. “In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” It starts off with the idea, “I’m okay if the other person is right and maybe I am wrong.” It implies a servant attitude to serve the other person. It seeks to forgive or seek forgiveness. It implies to be the one proactive towards unity. It does not seek to divide or self-promote. Vainglory in this context is to prove you are right. Lowliness of mind means to bend so low that you cannot be seen. How does the Lord and those closest to you assess your humility, or lowliness of mind?
We must strive for the Lord’s mind.
Philippians 2:5 tells us, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Jesus came to earth as a Servant to give His life for every sinner. He was God, and yet, He allowed Himself to suffer the worst indignities imaginable to show us the way. Jesus is the utmost exhibit of giving Himself so others could be better off through the gift of eternal life. What a humbling thought that Jesus reconciled us to Himself through the shedding of His blood! The Lord’s mind is that if Jesus died for every sinner, we can work towards an accord with those who are in disagreement with us.
These principles can be applied to every relationship situation. They can be applied to our marriages, to our parenting, to our pastoral-member relations, to our employment, as church members, in our friendships, and in our social affairs.
Let’s be on the same page! We need to have the right mind in order to achieve the right relationship resolutions. Humble yourself and seek God’s help in whatever conflict you might be going through!
Have a Christ-minded God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Chronicles 3-5