Jump Start # 3302

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

Did the apostles always agree with each other? Now that’s a thought. We know that Paul rebuked Peter to his face about shunning the Gentiles. Peter had sinned. Peter was wrong. Twice in Luke, once early and once late, the apostles argued about which one was the greatest.

After Jesus ascended to Heaven, did the apostles always agree with each other? Did Peter think that John was too soft on some issues? Did Andrew think that Thomas was too narrow? Did Matthew think that James was too aggressive? Did they like the way the others preached?

Our verse today, one of many passages throughout the N.T. that emphasizes the oneness or unity among believers. We are to be of one mind and one voice. Here, the verse states, “same mind,” “same love,” “united in spirit,” “intent on one purpose.” How can that happen when folks can’t even agree on what temp the auditorium ought to be on a Sunday morning? Some are freezing and others are burning up. So many ideas. So many opinions. So many backgrounds. Some have given up and surrendered to the idea that we’ll just agree on Jesus and all these other things we’ll agree to disagree upon. And, it seems through the years that the list of things that some say we’ll just  disagree upon seems to grow more and more.  Is it possible for us to agree upon things other than Jesus?

Now, back to our original question, “Did the apostles after the ascension disagree with one another?”

First, the N.T. never shows any disagreements other than the Peter/Paul hypocrisy and Paul and Barnabas not eye to eye on what to do with Mark. Even if there were accounts of disagreements among them, that would not be a green light for us to fuss, argue and be content with not agreeing. Overwhelmingly, the N.T. drives the idea that we ought to be one. One in mind. One in voice. One in spirit. Unity isn’t just a sweet idea, it’s something that God expects among His people.

The core foundation within the N.T. system is that we give up ourselves. We deny ourselves. Our thoughts and opinions are shelved as we follow the words of Jesus. We let God’s word guide us, lead us and teach us. When we start putting our thoughts and our ideas into the text, we jumble up the message and no longer are speaking the pure words of our Lord. God’s word as our standard and guide ought to lead us to the same conclusions.

God wants us to be one. We ought never to settle for anything less.

Second, there will be lines of conviction that I draw, conclusions I make, that are necessary for me, but I can’t compel others to agree with me or even do those things. You won’t find me wearing jeans to worship. Is it wrong to wear jeans to worship. NO. NEVER. But in my spiritual make up, it bothers me, so I won’t. Will I tell others to do the same? NEVER. Do I think everyone must agree with me? No. Do I think I am more spiritual than the guy wearing jeans? NEVER. However, one thing  we must agree upon is the excellence in worship and honoring our God as we bow our hearts to Him. Can a man wearing jeans worship the Lord properly? Absolutely. My spiritual makeup and what I need may not be the same as yours. You may pray to the Lord five times a day. I may pray three times. You may read three chapters of the Bible a day. I may read three verses a day. Your spiritual needs and your spiritual nourishment will not be the same as others.

The problems arise when we think everyone has to do what I do. Everyone has to like what I like. Everyone has to agree with me. When I start pushing me, that’s when trouble starts. Now, for a person to declare that one never needs to pray, that is not Biblical and there ought to be some voices raised in disagreement. For a person to say that one never needs to read the Bible, that’s simply not true.

I’ve been preaching long enough to know that some like long sermons and others like short sermons. Some like topical sermons and others like expository sermons. Some like illustrations and stories. Some don’t want any stories. Who is right in all of this? Everyone and no one. Everyone is allowed to have their own tastes and likes. But  no one is allowed to force, bully or pressure others to change just to agree with them.

So, did the apostles always agree with each other? I doubt it. Can you get twelve people to agree on anything? Bring up the topic of food and see what happens? Or, talk about sports? Or, even, what is the best hymn we sing? No, I doubt they fully agreed on everything. However, they spoke the one message of Christ. They stood united in faith and practice. They did not go separate ways teaching different doctrines. They would never allow their differences to come between them nor hinder their work. Christ was always first. Always.

And, maybe we can learn to stand shoulder to shoulder in our fight against Satan, realizing that in Christ we are one. You stand in your jeans and I’ll stand in my wild socks, but arm in arm, our faith, love, and devotion to Jesus runs strong. Like the old children’s game, “red rover, red rover,” and a child runs and tries to bust through the locked arms of others, we hold tightly to what we know and believe. Satan would like to knock us over. He’d like to break our bonds of unity. But together, we hold tightly.

Same mind. Same love. United in spirit.

Roger

Jump Start # 3249

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

The other evening it was off to the symphony for us. It was featured to be a grand performance, Beethoven’s classic Fifth. Most have heard how it starts, “Da-Da-Da-DAAAA.” The place was packed. As I was watching and listening, a wonderful little lesson about unity came to me. Among the strings, there are violins, violas, cellos, all sitting among each other. Then the flutes, clarinets, trumpets, French horns, trombones. The large basses are on one side, the percussion in the back. Very organized. Each musician has his own score and plays the notes that he is supposed to.

To make all of this work, they must play follow the score and play their instrument at the proper time. There are times when some are not playing. There are times when it blends together very well. There are moments when one section has a more important or prominent role than others. But together, it makes for a wonderful, wonderful piece of music. UNITY.

And, that very example is helpful for us as we think about our fellowship and getting along with one another. We all have a piece to play in this. Some have a more prominent role at times than others. Some remain quiet while others are playing their part. As in the orchestra, we see in the congregation, it’s not about who played the most notes. It’s not about who had a solo. It’s not about who was recognized. Together, it becomes a masterpiece. That seems so simple when it comes to classical music. But somehow, when it comes to the church, things get messy.

Someone doesn’t get the attention that he feels he deserves. Now he is upset and letting others know he is upset. Another feels that some get more time than he does. He’s been keeping track of all of this. Now he is upset and letting others know. Some do nothing publicly. Some seem to do something publicly every week. Some seem to think there is a pecking order, and those that have been around the longest ought to have their voice heard first and the most. Some newer folks have ideas that they have seen in other places. Those ideas are fresh and exciting. Some don’t want change. Now, this is life in a church.

Put those same things back into the orchestra. The trumpet wants more attention, so he plays and he plays very loudly, but it’s not time for him. The strings get upset about first chair and second chair and some of them walk out during the piece. The kettle drummer way in the back is hardly noticed, so he begins banging loudly on his drums. No one is following the score, the conductor has lost control and the music is loud, chaotic and sickening. If that happened, I doubt there would be any applause at the end. If that continued, the orchestra would fall apart, people would leave and no one would be buying tickets.

Musicians are known to have egos. Some have very big egos. Yet, to play in orchestra, they must follow the piece written. And, as disciples, if we are going to have a fellowship, we must follow the words of Jesus. Our verse today echoes the thoughts of unity. The apostle says: same mind, same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. That purpose for the orchestra is playing Beethoven’s Fifth. That purpose for us as a church is to glorify God. Same, same, united and intent—simply play the notes before you.

Here are some reminders:

First, leave your ego at home. Better yet, put your ego out with the trash. You don’t need it anymore. You are a follower of Jesus. Don’t be expecting shoutouts, pats on the back or praise of any kind. Together, we honor Jesus. Same. Same. United. Intent. Don’t be a hold out. Don’t be a rebel. Don’t try to blaze your own trail. Don’t be unique, different or one of a kind. We need to be stirred and stirred, like paint in a bucket until we are all blended together. Don’t get upset if someone sits where you normally do. There are no assigned seating. Sitting somewhere else will allow you to talk to some that you often do not get a chance to.

Second, our attention needs to be upon honoring Jesus. How can I help people see Jesus? Am I standing in the way? Am I distorting the picture? What’s the best part of worship? The singing? The Lord’s Supper? The prayers? The preaching? The Fellowship? How about Beethoven’s Fifth? The strings? The horns? The conductor? Or, is it all of those blended together? The best part of worship is Jesus. Jesus in the songs. Jesus in the prayers. Jesus in the preaching. Jesus in the Lord’s Supper. Beginning to end, it’s Jesus.

Third, my wife is the musician in our family. Sometimes, she’ll learn over and whisper, the tempos off, or someone missed a note. I never catch that stuff. I’m still trying to figure out why the wood on some cellos are darker than others. And, in worship, those with a trained ear may catch a mistake here or there, especially if I’m preaching, but does that ruin the entire setting? It doesn’t for my wife. Many times when we go to the orchestra, she will tell me that she has played that piece before. For me, I’m the visitor, hearing it for the first time. And, such it is in our worship. The preacher might mix his passage numbers up, or have a typo on the notecard and the trained eye catches that. But we give that a pass. We don’t allow those things to ruin the atmosphere of worship. Anyone who has stood before an audience, especially a large one, realizes that he might get things mixed up a bit. We must not allow those things to take away from the overall praise of the Lord. And, like me in the orchestra audience, there are visitors among us and we must not ruin the experience for them.

Same-same-united—intent. Great words. Works well in the orchestra and it works well on Sunday morning in the church house. Working together—that’s the key.

Roger

Jump Start # 2757

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

Our verse today is packed full of ideas and actions: be of the same mind, maintain the same love, united, intent. Those actions spring from a heart and a mind that purposely wants to follow the Lord. These things do not happen by chance. These things are the result of determined and planned actions. There was a specific path to follow and a specific attitude that accompanied those steps. Same mind, same love, united are all actions and attitudes towards others. This is how we get along in a congregation. This is how a congregation becomes a family. This is how our differences strengthen us rather than pull us apart. This is how a church endures through the years. This must be the attitude of the leaders. This must be manifested in the teaching and preaching.

I want to focus upon that last expression, “intent on one purpose.” Intent—focused, determined, seeking after, longing for. And, that one purpose? That’s pleasing the Lord. That’s being in Heaven. That’s living the way God wants us to. Here is a group of people that had that desire. They wanted to please the Lord. Paul told the Corinthians that we make it our ambition to please the Lord. That’s the thought here. Intent on one purpose.

Sadly, some people never know what their purpose in life is. They move about following the latest fad, doing what everyone else is doing. And, without a purpose, life becomes confusing, depressing, unfulfilling and even monotonous. Others let their circumstances determine and define their purpose. They are in the backseat of life just going along and someone else is at the wheel. With such thoughts, their purpose changes. A Paul preaching on Mars’ Hill would not have the same purpose as a Paul in a Roman prison. But, that’s not what we find in Scriptures. Paul’s purpose didn’t change from city to city, or from decade to decade. As a freeman or as a prisoner, his purpose was to glorify and honor the God he loved.

And, once a person knows their purpose, then they can wrap their life around that. They can become intent upon that purpose.

• Knowing your purpose will determine what is important in life
• Knowing your purpose shapes the choices in your life
• Knowing your purpose clarifies what marriage is about, your role in the family and what it means to belong to a church
• Knowing your purpose allows you to contribute to life
• Knowing your purpose gives you a place in eternity

The Philippians did more than know their purpose. They were intent upon that purpose. That purpose is what they were looking at. By being intent, they would not neglect the very things that kept that purpose before them. By being intent they would not let the fire go out in their hearts for the Lord.

There are a lot of folks who want to go to Heaven. However, with many of them, they are not very intent about that. Their desire for Heaven is more wishful thinking than deliberate actions and steps on their part. Sure they’d love to be in Heaven, but not enough to get down to the church house to worship God, give up sinful practices or develop a godly character. They are simply not intent upon those things.

One sees “intention” in other areas of life. A student who pours hours and hours into studying to pass a major exam. They are intent. A person that works days and goes to school at  night so they can better their career. An athlete that continues to work on his game, long after practice is over. These folks are intent. They want to do better. They are not satisfied with where they are or what is average or normal. That doesn’t cut it with these people. They have a purpose and they are intent on that purpose.

And, all of this leads back to you and I. How hard are we trying? How serious are we about our faith? How easily do we allow other things to interrupt us and get us off the path that we are on? How often do we allow things around us to wreck our attitudes and our spirit? How often do we find ourselves getting caught up in things that do not matter? How intent are we?

Would you be willing to drive 30 minutes one way to be part of a growing, active congregation? Some would rather stay at a dying church than make that drive. Would you be willing to give up an evening a week to have an intense Bible study with one of the shepherds or preachers in the congregation? Many would rather just sit in a chair and stare at the TV. Would you be willing to use a vacation to attend a Gospel Meeting or lectureship in another community?

Intent. Focused. Determined. Unwavering. Intent on one purpose. How would you define that as you look at your life?

Roger

Jump Start # 2712

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

One of the greatest threats to every congregation, more than false teaching or persecution is the attack upon unity. God expects His people to be one. One in heart. One in mind. One in purpose. One in voice. Be one, as Jesus and the Father are, is what the Lord prayed in John 17. Unity is both comforting and nourishing as the Psalmist described it.

And, here were are in crazy 2020, with so many opinions, ideas and thoughts that pulls us in every way but towards each other. Culturally, there is a major division about the direction of the country, what to do about our borders, global warming and the use of fossil fuels, the funding or defunding of police departments, whether or not kids should be sitting in classrooms or having school through the internet, the wearing of masks, the opening or the closing of public activities. Social media illustrates the heated and often hatred concerning those who differ with others. Many have said that they have never witnessed this country so divided before.

And, of course, it trickles into our congregations. A lot of hot opinions about gathering in the church building and whether or not masks can be mandated. Some have left because they did not agree with what the leaders were saying. Some congregations have divided. Some folks have just thrown in the towel and are content to stay home and worship that way, forever. Folks are irritated, bothered, tired and fussy about all the changes that have come because of Covid 19. Some believe the health concerns are genuine. Others believe it’s mostly about politics and elections. And, most of us just don’t know what to believe.

Here are a few thoughts for us:

First, unity must be natural and internal. You can’t force unity. It’s like sitting beside your sister in the back seat of the car on a long road trip. You don’t like it. And, if she gets too close to you, you’ll likely scream. As soon as the car stops, you get out and get away as fast as you can. Now, that’s not unity. That’s not wanting to be there. Forcing folks to get along who do not want to get along never works. Unity begins with each person being united in Christ. There we have a common denominator. There we have a common basis and understanding. If we stand with Christ, we can fellowship and be united together. But we both have to be all in with Jesus. That includes doctrinally as well as in spirit. That includes the pattern we follow as well as the forgiveness we extend. Civil wars usually happen because those of the same nation are not the same. They are not one mind, one spirit, one voice. They are moving in different directions. We don’t use the terminology of civil war when it comes to a congregation. The word most often used is “split.” But a congregation splitting is nothing more than an internal civil war. Folks on the same side fighting one another.

Second, when unity is missing, the important things are left undone. All attention turns to who is on whose side and what this one said and what that one said. Our energy is about winning our war. And, what is forgotten is encouragement, reaching the lost, building faith, developing leaders, and all the things that God wants a congregation to be doing. This may be why disunity is one of the devil’s most powerful tools. Get everyone stirred up and upset and before long, the work stops. And, Satan smiles. We can be so busy shoring up our side of things that we forget the work that we are supposed to do. Good leaders will recognize that Satan will try to drive a wedge among the members. He’ll try to get two preachers irritated with each other. He’ll try to splinter the eldership. All of this is to get our eyes off the horizon and turn toward each other.

Third, it doesn’t take much to get folks stirred up and upset with one another. An off the cuff comment that wasn’t thought out very well can be just the thing. Mispronouncing someone’s name will do it. Overlooking someone. Not including someone. Not being asked your opinion about something. Now, with all of that, try painting the walls a different color, change the look of the bulletin, make some adjustments in the worship schedule and the bullets will start flying through the air. “How dare they,” some will declare. Others will sigh so loud, that the ceiling fans will spin. Some take to social media to air complaints and find sympathizers to join their side. By doing that, matters only get messier and deeper. And, Satan smiles.

Within this Philippian context Paul lists two important factors necessary for unity.

First, he says stop being selfish and conceited. We need to be humble like Jesus. We need to have the heart like Jesus. Stop wearing your feelings on your sleeve. Stop being so touchy. The humble person won’t recognize that his name was omitted from a list of others. A humble person isn’t draw to the spotlights.

Second, Paul says, look out for the interests of others. Become other minded. Stop thinking so much about yourself. This is hard in a “selfie” world we live in. I know I’m old, but I don’t get all the selfie pictures people take. I’ve been to many, many places and everyone wants a picture of themselves with something in the background. I wonder if they have pictures of themselves on the walls at home. I know what I look like. I want a picture of wildlife, landscape, sunsets without me being in it. That’s just me. I tend to think a selfie mindset colors how we see things. We want to be in the middle of the picture. Paul’s words are look out for others. Be thinking of others. Before you say something, how will others take it? Before you shoot your opinion out there, what impact will that have on others? Will it make the church look good? Will it honor the Lord? Will it be helpful?

Less of me and more of others—that’s the key to unity. Listen more than you talk. Keep some things just to yourself. You do not have to attend every argument you are invited to. Some things just need to stay off of social media. Be an encouraging, not a divider. Be helpful, not a sour spot to others. Bring smiles, not frowns.

Interestingly, before Paul finished Philippians, he named two sisters by name and told them to be in harmony. Get along. Unity—its precious and must be protected. It’s special and it’s a wonderful blessing in a divided world.

Roger

Jump Start # 2225

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

One of the marvels of the N.T. is how God expects and even demands that His children to be like minded. In Corinthians, the expression is “one mind.” In Romans, it is glorify God with “one voice.” Here, our verse today from Philippians, is being of the “same mind.”

In an age of individualism, tolerance, acceptance of all things different, how can the people of God get their thinking to be the same? This is more than doing what everyone else is doing. It’s more than showing up, but keeping your mouth quiet. These verses deal with the way one thinks. Same mind. One mind. One voice. These principles involve the way we think. It begins on our inside, the way that we think.

It’s not uncommon to find this spirit missing, even among God’s people. I hear people saying, “Well, that’s them. I don’t go along with that.” Or, “I certainly do not believe like they do.” And immediately we realize that there is not one mind, the same mind or one voice. Often what the elders say is not how others feel. This is especially true when it comes to discipline. Instead of the sheep following the shepherds, the sheep are going a different direction. An undercurrent of mistrust, suspicion and rebellion develops. When enough feel the same, it is not uncommon to find some breaking away and starting another congregation. The new place faces a huge mountain to overcome if it will survive. Most within a decade have drifted away and the doors close. It’s hard to maintain a group that is built upon not having one mind, one spirit and one intent. Diversity of mind generally splinters a group.

How do we get to “one mind?” And, whose mind is it?

First, we must all unite upon the Scriptures. It’s not my way, nor is it your way, but rather, it is His way. Selfish ambition should have been ditched when we denied ourselves and took up our cross and followed Him. Unspiritual men who do not understand the nature of the Scriptures, jockey for position to run the church. They thrive on power and position and want to boss others into obedience. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. This has nothing to do with running the church. It is about all of us agreeing upon the Scriptures and following the Scriptures. How can we play a game, any game, sports, board game, card game, ping pong, if we cannot agree upon the rules. Our minds merge and become one when we agree to follow the rules of the game. We don’t make the rules. We don’t change the rules in the midst of a game. We agree to follow them as they are stated. This is why there are printed rules on board games. This is why there are rule books and refs and umps in the game of sports.

Second, to have the same mind, is not a matter of you having my mind or me having your mind, but both of us having the mind of Christ. When we set forth to act like Jesus, think like Jesus and do what Jesus would do, suddenly our minds have become one. But for this to happen, there must be a willingness on our part. There are times when I would rather fire the missiles than forgive. Jesus would forgive. There’s my answer. There are times when I would rather be served than to serve. Jesus would serve. There’s my answer. There are times when I would rather complain than count blessings. Jesus would count blessings. There’s my answer. The reason why strife, division, and ugliness thrives in many congregations is simply because someone does not want to act like Jesus would. My feelings get hurt. I don’t get any attention. My name wasn’t included in the bulletin. I didn’t get a shout out from the pulpit. No one thanked me. That’s all it takes for me to leave the one mind of others and start thinking about myself. You know Jesus was mistreated. Jesus was reviled. Jesus was threatened. Yet, Jesus chose not to respond that way. Having one mind in a group of individuals can be hard. We are all different. Let’s say, for example, after services, everyone decided to go to the same place to eat. That would never happen. There would be some who just don’t like the place that was chosen. Some would say that they don’t like the food or the service there. Do the same with a movie. We couldn’t all agree. Do the same with painting the walls of the church building. We can’t all agree. Having the same mind begins by cooperating, compromising where you can, and being a team player. Individualism kills one mind.

Third, great things are accomplished when we think alike. I’ve had people talk to me about serious issues in their lives. I encouraged them to share that with the elders. Many times, the response is, “I know what they will say.” How do you know that? We are of one mind and we stand together on the Scriptures. I know what they will say, too. This ought to eliminate the thought, “My church teaches that, but I don’t believe that.” That very statement shows a lack of one mind and a lack of Biblical understanding. The church doesn’t make the rules. The church isn’t what we follow. It’s the word of the Lord. The word of the Lord is going to read the same. Stay home and be a party pooper, yet, your Bible will read the same.

However, when we are all thinking like Jesus, and we are all Bible focused, just image the good that is done. People step up and serve, just like Jesus. People are patient with one another, just like Jesus. Bible answers are given as advice, just like Jesus. Our intentions are pure. Our motives are clear. We are wanting to help people get to Heaven. No double standards. No backroom deals. No under the table stuff. All honest. All the same. All following the Bible. Strong. Biblical. Moving forward.

Is it possible to have the same mind? Yes. When we want to and when we pull ourselves out of the picture and when we surround ourselves with a standard, the word of God. Not only is it possible, but it is being done all over the world. And the world cannot appreciate this. They see this as a surrender of individualism. They see this as herd mentality. But what the world offers is chaos, disunity, and misery. There is not one voice to listen to but thousands all saying different things. There is not one direction to follow, but a million and they all lead away from God. Pride, individualism, independence are not the stuff that makes a great church.

The same mind. It’s necessary in parenting. It’s helpful in government administrations. It’s a must when it comes to a congregation. Thinking like Christ, that’s what all of this comes down to.

Roger