What is the cost of Unity? What does it take for believers to actually sincerely get along and unite? It helps if they like each other. But it really helps if they love each other. In today’s text, the Apostle Paul plainly teaches us that love is the key to Christian unity. Pay close attention to these five verses, because within them is also revealed the enemies of Christian love…
“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. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4, NKJV.
Read it again in a different translation …
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:1-5 (NLT)
Can you identify those attitudes which are opposite of the love of God in these verses? Do you see yourself anywhere in these verses? Which words best describe your attitude? Are there attitude changes that need to be made in your life? The requirement for true Christian unity is not total agreement but rather total love!
Pastor Mike