Same Mind in the Lord. Philippians 4:2. “I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.” By naming Euodias and Syntyche in his letter, Paul was not taking sides in whatever the problem was between them but was specifically urging reconciliation between them. The matter was serious enough for him to mention them by name in a letter to be read publicly. His approach to them was tactful, urgent, and firm. Relational problems among workers for the Lord Jesus Christ in that assembly needed to be resolved before it affected the unity of the entire community of saints.
None of us are immune to the problem of differences of opinion. What makes it a serious problem is when it is taken to the extent of pitting one against another based on the wrong premise. Conflicts that arise are often because of differences in personality, which is no reason for believers to have irreconcilable differences. When the barriers between people seem too great for them to overcome, it is important that someone with the wisdom, reputation, and experience in making peace be called upon for help.
Paul’s call for a peaceful resolution to the problem was rooted in the highest source of fellowship – “in the Lord.” If both parties have the mind of Christ, which is humility, and both commit to being submissive to the Lord, they may not eliminate the differences but will respect each other's opinions or viewpoints.
Dissemination will end, even if there are remaining differences when we give another person the benefit of the doubt and accept a solution to the problem. The fact is that other people have the right to their opinions just as I have mine. When there is nothing doctrinal, moral, or vital at stake that would hinder the work of the Lord, and it is not against the teachings of the scriptures, we can fellowship with each other. Fellowship and harmony, even though we differ in personality and opinions, are more important to the assembly of God’s people.
Thoughts are like wild things, darting uncontrollably through my mind, often unwanted and unrestrained. They dodge, leap, then run and hide, and we think they are dormant. Then, maybe only for a brief moment, they join other untamed thoughts until a chaos of unchained ideas erupts in my mind, charging through the opening beneath my nose.
Others like me have similar experiences in life and in serving the Lord, but they have different personalities, so there are two armies of thoughts. These armies line up and prepare to battle each other, waiting for the right moment to strike and defeat the other. However, that moment never arrives because another Power, a stronger Force than all the combined, untamed thoughts, takes control. The Lord, the Master, the Supreme Commander has arrived.
Now, the wild band of thoughts lines up by fifties and hundreds, like the freed Israelite slaves forming disciplined armies. They are under authority now, turned toward the One who knows and has experienced obedience to an equal—unto death. Then, tamed thoughts become powerful tools for good when they are under divine authority. A remarkable change occurs; innuendo stops, and self-centered thoughts focus on a different Person. Instead of dwelling on old experiences long past and gone over too many times, thoughts are directed to the present moment and the Presence of Him who opens the mind to guide thoughts toward others of like mind and unites them with shared thoughts, blending minds with others.
Instead of back-to-back, and going away Or even face-to-face, with too much to say Now side-by-side, facing the same direction Arm-in-arm, they face the present situation And step-by-step move forward, multiplying power Following the Lord, while untamed thoughts hide and cower.
What I allow to enter my mind each day involves more than just my way of thinking. My soul is emotionally affected, as well as my will and the understanding I gain from meditating on the information I accept. A “fellow feeling” with others around me gives weight to my meditation, and the differences of opinion we may have become less important than the joy of our salvation. Unity does come at a cost; I must accept the importance of other people's opinions even if I disagree. Insisting that everything be my way can lead to deep division. To have the “same mind” means I need to communicate my views clearly so they are easily understood by others, and then I should listen to theirs. After that, we can decide if a choice must be made.
Relational difficulties are common among God's people. Any relationship needs to be tested and nurtured by dedicating ourselves to having the mind of Christ. Paul was concerned because a broken relationship between two women who worked in the Gospel threatened the unity of the entire church. This issue was addressed with a gentle, pleading call for unity rather than a harsh, demanding tone. We all may have differences of opinion, but when we are subject to the Lord, we can all be of one mind.