2 Corinthians 13:11 “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.”
Romans 15:5 “Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,”
Mind (phroneō) – to be of the same mind, i.e. to agree together, cherish the same views, be harmonious
Here we have two of many examples in the Bible where we are commanded to be like-minded with other believers. I ask myself in today’s world with all the differing opinions and thoughts, how do we do this? This is a huge problem if we think this means we need everyone to think and act exactly like us. Paul says to imitate him as he imitates Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1) and that he and the other apostles have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). The only way we can agree, cherish the same views and be harmonious is by imitating Paul as he imitates Christ. The same mind we seek is Christ’s, rather than convincing others to agree with our thoughts and opinions.
I next ask myself what are some practical things that lead me to think I am seeking after the mind of Christ? What are key things to look for in like-minded brothers and sisters? This probably isn’t an all-inclusive list but i think it’s a good starting point.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is from God and is authoritative in my life.
- 1 John 1:1-4, 2:24, 4:5-6 The interpretation of scripture is on the terms of those who were there in the beginning with Christ, the apostles.
- 2 Peter 1:20-21 & 1 Thessalonians 4:2 Not only were the apostles physically present with Jesus learning directly from Him but they were moved by the Holy Spirit and were given authority by Jesus Christ to write what we now have as God’s word.
- Philippians 2:19-22, 2 Timothy 2:2 Timothy is of a “kindred spirit” with Paul because he seeks Jesus’ interests by serving in the furtherance of the gospel. Are we kindred spirits with Paul by taking part in E2 (evangelism and edification)?
I have found it is difficult to find people who take the above list seriously (me included). It takes time, conversation and study together to find out what people think about the scriptures. A lifetime really! Even when attempting to take the above criteria seriously, believers still seem to have disagreement and differing opinions on interpretation. Can we be like-minded under these circumstances?
Theologians have been debating some topics for thousands of years. How much do we need to agree on in order to be considered like-minded? And what are the minimums? It seems to me that the approach here is of the utmost importance.
1 Corinthians 2:14 states that “…a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them.” On our own, we are the natural man. Our only hope of imitating Paul as he imitates Christ is complete submission. Our approach to the scriptures has to be one where we leave our presuppositions at the door and say “God, show me, on your terms.”
Finding like-minded believers encompasses finding others you can trust who genuinely approach the scripture on these terms. We will never find perfect agreement because there are no perfect people. As you seek to obey this command by being edified and edifying your fellow brothers and sisters, you find true fellowship.
What a blessing the command of like-mindedness is!
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