In Pursuit of Unity

2:2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose

Just as there were four parts in Paul’s "if" clause in verse one, so there are four parts to the "then" clause in verse two. There was a high degree of overlap between the four parts of verse one. There is even greater overlap among the four parts of verse two:

1- being of the same mind

2- maintaining the same love

3- united in spirit

4- intent on one purpose

The theme here is clearly love and unity. This unity is not only what is required of the Philippians, it is the key to the completion of Paul’s joy. It is not just a duty, it is a joy. It is not only right, it is beautiful. "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!" (Ps.133:1)

Schism and alienation in the body of Christ have become so commonplace today that it is easy for us to forget that they grieve the Lord. God wants us to live in harmony. God wants His people standing together.

Why is this so important to Paul? It is more than the fact that a parent has a keen interest in the inter-relationships of his children. Paul understands that the unity Christians have in Christ is one of the great testimonies of His power before the watching world. "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:35) Disunity damages the name of Christ; it makes it look like He doesn’t make much difference in people’s lives. "Christians fight and bicker just like everybody else. Why should I pay attention to them?" O may it not be so with us!

Ephesians 4:1-6 "I...entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, BEING DILIGENT TO PRESERVE THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT IN THE BOND OF PEACE. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all." (emphasis added)

Heavenly Father, I pray the same prayer that Your Son Jesus prayed for His people: that they may be one just as You are one, that they may be perfected in unity that the world may know that You sent Jesus. And help me, O Lord, to do my part in pursuing this goal. Help me to go out of my way to love my brethren. Help me to encourage and inspire my brethren to love one another. May my life move and challenge others to do what they can to work towards the unity of the body of Christ. Keep me from words and actions and inactions that harm the unity of Your body. May the way that I speak to and about Your people, and may the way I treat them, testify to the power and love of Jesus Christ.