"I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord." (Philippians 4:2)
I might add that the only way you and I can be, "....of the same mind...," is, "in the Lord." I heard a pastor over 55 years ago quip on this text. "We could say that she was too soon touchy."
There are valid reasons for people leaving local churches, viz., corruption, abuse, false doctrine, etc. Moreover, I believe that the Reformation was long over due. There is something, however, of our text which applies to not only church members, but also spouses, children, friends; "....Be of the same mind." One translation says, "....live in harmony in the Lord."
Back to the Reformation for a moment. The phrase, "....the same mind in the Lord," can only come about with a thorough reading and obeying of the, "God-Breathed," Words. Up to the 16th Century, Christendom had been adding words and traditions to Holy Writ. Personal preferences, cultural influences, etc., were constantly creeping in for centuries until finally you get "The Immaculate Conception."
These are days in which the Enemy is stepping up efforts to "divide and conquer" us, in the Church, the home, among friends. Of course, we are to, "hold fast the profession of our faith." But we are not to "hold fast the profession" of an opinion or life style which is based on preference rather than conviction. The cliche, "Pick your battles" is not without some merit. Maybe as the People of Jesus Christ we should rather say, Don't pick a battle.
Father, in Jesus' Name, convict me any time my "mind" is not Yours. Amen.
I might add that the only way you and I can be, "....of the same mind...," is, "in the Lord." I heard a pastor over 55 years ago quip on this text. "We could say that she was too soon touchy."
There are valid reasons for people leaving local churches, viz., corruption, abuse, false doctrine, etc. Moreover, I believe that the Reformation was long over due. There is something, however, of our text which applies to not only church members, but also spouses, children, friends; "....Be of the same mind." One translation says, "....live in harmony in the Lord."
Back to the Reformation for a moment. The phrase, "....the same mind in the Lord," can only come about with a thorough reading and obeying of the, "God-Breathed," Words. Up to the 16th Century, Christendom had been adding words and traditions to Holy Writ. Personal preferences, cultural influences, etc., were constantly creeping in for centuries until finally you get "The Immaculate Conception."
These are days in which the Enemy is stepping up efforts to "divide and conquer" us, in the Church, the home, among friends. Of course, we are to, "hold fast the profession of our faith." But we are not to "hold fast the profession" of an opinion or life style which is based on preference rather than conviction. The cliche, "Pick your battles" is not without some merit. Maybe as the People of Jesus Christ we should rather say, Don't pick a battle.
Father, in Jesus' Name, convict me any time my "mind" is not Yours. Amen.
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
Hebrews 12:2
Hebrews 12:2
