Great Strength in Unity
ICS Daily Devotions
Philippians 2:19-20 (NKJV) But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.
The Apostle Paul believed that churches require strong spiritual leadership. He understood that he could not fulfil his calling alone, and he needed people to work with him. While Paul was under house arrest, he sent Timothy to care for the needs of the church in Philippi and to know the state of the church. Paul was confident in sending Timothy because Timothy shared his like-mindedness.
Being of one mind is the inner desire to conduct oneself cooperatively, to be on the same team, to go for the same objectives, for the benefit of one another. Paul knew that Timothy would represent him well and fulfil the task. The two of them had a trusted partnership. Timothy had the same love, care, and passion for the church in Philippi; he was Paul’s travelling companion on the mission trip; he knew Paul’s concerns, passions, ministry direction, priorities, and how things should be done. Most importantly, it was their love and passion for their Saviour Jesus Christ that bound them together.
Philippians 2:1-4 (NKJV) Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfil my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Likewise, it brings tremendous joy to the pastor when there are like-minded people with them. It makes the work of the ministry easier. Pastoral ministry is about people, but it can be emotionally demanding to deal with people. The opposite of having joy in the ministry is pain, hurt, and sorrow that is brought to the minister of God because of strife and division, or church members undermining the pastor’s leadership and decisions. This is why Paul urged the church in Philippi to fulfil his joy by being like-minded, of one accord, with the same love, and with one mind.
No pastor can fulfil the calling of building the local church alone. He needs partners just like Paul. The church will not be effective and efficient in carrying out her calling unless the congregation is of one accord, has the same love, is like-minded with the pastor, and focuses on the same goal of preaching the gospel. God will communicate His plan to His under-shepherd—the local church pastor. When church leaders share the pastor’s vision, they will think and minister to the people in the same way, just as Timothy did for Paul when Paul sent him to the church in Philippi.
Sermon Series : Unity In Diversity
