The Concept of Unity

Humility in Ministry: The Concept of Unity

Philippians 2:2

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

Last week, we were able to discuss the privilege that it is to find encouragement in Christ.  We saw this by observing Philippians 2:1 as Paul presented a charge to the church using four different clauses as a basis for the charge and challenge.  The appeal that Paul placed before the Philippians was for their unity as a body; this week, we will look at this a little bit more in depth.

Before actually jumping into this, however, Paul uses an interesting phrase at the start of verse 2 where he genuinely shows his concern.  He states “make my joy complete…” By making this statement, whatever was to follow this phrase would be what the apostle truly desired to see.  In this case, Paul makes a plea for something that relates to the Philippian church.  This, in itself, is challenging.  Just a tad-bit of application…how selfless are we that we legitimately find joy in something that does not specifically pertain to ourselves.  I have to say, this is something that I find myself struggling with quite a bit; Paul was intentionally selfless and had a deep concern for the Philippian church.

After making this statement, Paul states “by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose “ (Philippians 2:2).  What Paul was presenting to the church was the necessity for unity within the body.  These few phrases, though they may seem redundant, are packed full of practical application. Let’s take a look at each one.

This concept of unity was to be displayed by the Philippians by “being of the same mind…” (Philippians 2:2). Paul uses this statement as the overarching theme that will be described in depth by the phrases that will follow.  This phrase “being of the same mind” is one that can actually be translated to mean “thinking the same way.” Despite the translation, the idea behind the phrase is far more than just “thinking;” this “thinking” is to actually overflow into the physical realm, as the “thinking” prompts movement. Paul was encouraging the Philippians to think the same way by being uniform in thought, mind, and will.

Paul then states to the Philippians “maintaining the same love” (Philippians 2:2). Paul is referencing the love that the believers were to have towards one another within the church.  I believe that Paul recognized that it is sometimes difficult to love others, simply because of personality conflict or a differing opinion, but these were not to serve as the foundation or basis for their love for one another. The foundation for the love that they were to display toward one another was the love that Christ had shown them; everything else was to be shown as nothing in comparison to this.

From here, Paul encourages the believers to be “united in spirit” (Philippians 2:2). By this, the writer is encouraging the Philippians to be inwardly knit together to an extent that they were “one-souled” with each other.  The phrase that is used here is only used in this passage of scripture, and brings with it the idea of being unified with the same passions, desires, and ambitions.

Paul wraps up this challenge for unity with one statement: “intent on one purpose” (Philippians 2:2).  He is suggesting to the Philippian church that the believers exemplify unity by living lives directed at one single goal; Paul desired to see the Philippians live their lives in view of and worthy of the Gospel (1:27).

Paul was very aware of the necessity for living in harmony and in unity with one another; he also understood that there were certain things that created disunity between the believers, thus, his challenge was presented.  These hindrances and causes for disunity are prevalent today, as well. 

For instance, some of the hindrances to living in unity with other believers consist of stubbornness, self-promotion, unmet expectations, a lack of service-mindedness, and even unmet expectations.

The list could go on and on, but one thing is common in them all; they all contain a degree of pride.  Pride is the largest hindrance to living in unity with other believers and we all deal with it in our own individual ways.  We should all be knit together in our desire to destroy this daily, as we know its consequences.  I encourage you this week to live in unity with other believers around you, and by doing so, acknowledging and being fervently aware of your pride.

Happy Reading,

CBMaxwell