Philippians 2:2b – The Road to Like-Minded

… by being like-minded…

Summary: When Paul asks us to be like-minded, he challenges the very essence of our human desire to be in charge.   

In this passage, Paul is imploring the Philippians to express their connection to Christ (Philippians 2:1) and complete Paul’s joy by demonstrating like-mindedness. 

I am going to editorialize for a moment to explain how I understand what it means to be “like-minded.” Let me start by first explaining what “like-minded” is not. 

Like-minded people do not all think exactly the same. 

My reason for believing this is that God made us all to be different. Just as each of us has a unique fingerprint, we each have a unique history. No two people share exactly the same thoughts or memories. No two people share the exact same perspective. 

Being like-minded means we agree on what is important. 

So what is important? 

For those who do not know God, what is important is what “I” think is important. It doesn’t matter what I choose to call important; the thing that matters is that “I” chose it. 

If “I” tell you something, it is important to me that you believe it. If you don’t, then you insult me. More to the point, you threaten the supremacy of the “I.” 

What makes true believers in God different is the First Commandment.

“You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)

People who believe this put God above the “I.” When people subordinate their selves to something or someone else, unity is possible. 

History is full of examples of people subordinating themselves to a political leader, an ideal, or a cause. The tragedy of these examples is that the object of their devotion is always flawed. 

When we put our trust in God and subordinate our will to his, we are trusting the only Being that will never let us down. 

If we are like-minded in this one thing, that is the foundation for true like-mindedness. Unfortunately, the “I” does not give up easily. 

“I” want to decide what the Bible means.

“I” want to tell you what to believe. 

“I” want you to do what “I” say. 

Jesus sums up “all the law and the prophets” this way: 

“Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39)

Loving others as we love ourselves is the second important foundation of like-mindedness. We have to be willing to put the needs of others above “I” as well as putting God first. 

Finally, the third foundation is perhaps the most challenging. Jesus teaches us to take the plank out of our own eye before we attempt to take the speck out of our brother’s eye (Matthew 7:1-5). 

Nothing is harder for the “I” than to admit it is wrong, let go of long-held beliefs, and embrace God’s truth. 

If we can do these three things, love God above all else, love our neighbors as ourselves, and be willing to change to better conform to God’s will, then we are on the road to like-mindedness.  

Application: Beware of the “I.”

Food for Thought: What are the advantages of being like-minded in Christ?