Like Minded

“…then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” Philippians 2:2

Rublev’s icon of the Trinity – the gold standard of like-mindedness

“What do you have in mind?” one friend asks the others as they decide where to go out to eat. A trivial example, admittedly, but when friends reach a common mind, the chosen restaurant can foster a setting for rich conversation and communion. Whereas if one person claims not to care, or doesn’t voice their desires out of fear, he or she may end up stewing all evening, affecting the mood of everyone.

Here the apostle Paul tells the believers at Philippi to put aside their individual agendas and concerns in favor of those of their neighbours. As they each seek the mind of Christ, they will be brought together in a common purpose. With the Holy Spirit living and breathing through them, they will find unity with each other. The comfort, compassion, tenderness, and love they receive from God is what they can pass on to strangers and neighbors.

Being like-minded with those whom we live or work or worship can, of course, be a challenge. We all have our own ideas about what constitutes right living, and often we don’t hold back from sharing with others – whether which is the right way to fold the clothes or mow the lawn or manage a project.

Is there a “difficult” person in your life? If so, perhaps this week you could challenge yourself to seek unity with them on just one issue.

Father God, in you we live and move and have our being. May we gain the mind of Christ. Amen.