Of One Mind: It does seem that if one could effectively create a group whose members
were likeminded about things in general, community living would succeed much
better. But what does “of one mind” mean? Does it mean they all thought just alike?
That can’t be, or there wouldn’t be so many counsels later encouraging
diversity. Besides, it’s impossible to think the exact same way in any two
languages, let alone in many of them, as they had that day. And if it did mean
to think alike, the personality cults we’ve seen in the past century would have
worked better.
Well, does it mean they agreed on everything? If
so, how could Peter and Paul, or Paul and Barnabas have such sharp
disagreements later? Unless we wish to believe that these men were not in the
Spirit during the times they had these disagreements, we must accept the fact
that sanctified Christians can disagree, sometimes vehemently. If there is one
thing we know, it is that God created us individuals, with different ways of
being. So what does “of one mind” mean? Let’s look more closely at the verse. They “all
with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer.” Ah. They all agreed
on one thing, at least. They agreed they needed lots of prayer.
There are dozens of other texts in the New
Testament which speak of being of one mind, or likeminded. Let’s look at some
and see if there are other specific definitions.
Be of the same mind toward one another; do not
be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own
estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in
the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace
with all men. (Rom.
12:16-18)
There are some specific characteristics of
like-mindedness here. When we are likeminded, we will not be haughty, or wise
in our own estimation. We won’t seek revenge. We will respect—an interesting
phrase—“what is right in the sight of all.” What we do have in common, in other
words. This little phrase could be one of the most important of all. We could
actually make it a practice to respect what was right in the sight of all and
leave the rest to God, instead of doing our utmost to be sure everyone else
believes what’s really right - that is, what I believe! In the last line, Paul recognizes that it is,
unfortunately, not always in our power to be at peace with all. But we can do
our prayerful best, and that will never happen so long as some of us see it as our
duty to correct the beliefs and behaviors of others.
“Now may the God who gives perseverance and
encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to
Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom.
15:6)
Like-mindedness takes perseverance and courage,
which come from God. It is about glorifying God, not ourselves.
“Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you,
but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1
Cor. 1:10) This passage looks, at first, as if it does mean to think exactly
alike and judge everything the same. To be understood, it needs to be read in
context. People were dividing up in the name of their favorite preachers. “I’m a
follower of … Billy Graham? Ellen White? Mark Finley?” If there is one thing in
the world every Christian, of every background, of every faith tradition, liberal,
conservative, or purple polka-dotted needs to be in agreement on, it is that we
are followers of Christ! Let’s enjoy the preaching and teaching of whichever of
God’s messengers speaks our own peculiar language. But let’s not get the
servant mixed up with the Master.
“Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete,
be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will
be with you.” (2
Cor 13:11)
Here, like-mindedness is linked to completion
and comfort, and leads to peace. Isn’t it a good feeling to be mature enough to
think your very own thoughts and let others think theirs, trusting the One Lord
of us all to make mistakes clear in His own time? “Only conduct yourselves in a
manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or
remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit,
with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed
by your opponents. … Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining
the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” (Phil
1:27, 2:2) God’s followers may disagree courteously on all kinds of things,
but they are standing firm in one Spirit, united in love, and intent on one
purpose—striving for the faith of the gospel. When is it that we have reason to
be alarmed by our opponents? When they can rightly point a finger at our bitter
spirit, divisiveness, and lack of love. If we unite in God’s love, we will not
have that to fear. But it seems impossible. You would have to be like Jesus. “But
we have the mind of Christ.” (I
Cor. 2:16) How can that be? It’s an old promise, really. It’s been around
for thousands of years. Jesus said He had come to make it reality in our lives.
“They shall be My people, and I will be their
God; and I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me always,
for their own good and for (the good of) their children after them. I will make
an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them, to do
them good; and I will put the fear of Me in their hearts so that they will not
turn away from Me.” (Jer.
32:38-40)
Then we’ll be able to keep the oldest, greatest
commandments of them all: Love God! Love everybody else! Do it with all you’ve
got!
No comments:
Post a Comment