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The Key To Unity

Lurking in the shadows of every church, every home and every relationship, is a devious demon of division called “selfishness.” It makes frequent appearances as it seeks to satisfy our personal preferences, desires, likes and dislikes rather than considering the needs of others. I struggle with it constantly. How about you?

When the apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church in Philippi, he did not address any particular heresy within the church as he did when writing to the Corinthians or Galations. He did, however, refer to a problem that existed between two sisters in Christ who were at odds with one another.

Though the Bible does not tell us the exact nature of the strife, it is obvious that Euodia and Syntyche were engaged in some type of personal conflict that threatened the church. Paul’s admonition was that they might agree with one another “in the Lord” (Philippians 4:2).

What does that mean? From his earlier statements in the letter, we can conclude that Paul was telling these ladies to put aside their personal desires and consider the needs of one another (Philippians 2:3-4). It is this attitude that comprises the “mind of Christ” (Philippians 2:5-8).

There is no conflict that cannot  be resolved in an amiable way if the parties involved will simply stop insisting on their personal likes, dislikes, preferences and opinions in consideration of the greater need to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

There is no setting, be it church, home, business, marriage or personal friendship, that will not benefit from such an attitude.

—Steve Reeves