ICS Daily Devotions
Great Strength in Unity
PhiIippians 2:2,“Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”
PhiIippian2:19-20, “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 was very confident to send Timothy because he and Timothy were like-minded. He knew that Timothy would represent him well and also fulfill the task he was given. It was a trusted partnership. Timothy was Paul’s traveling companion on his mission trip and therefore he knew Paul’s concerns, passion, ministry direction, ministry priorities and how things should be done and carried out. Of course, it is their love and passion for their Savior Jesus Christ that binds them together.
It brings tremendous joy to the Pastor when there are like-minded people with him. God will communicate His plan to His shepherd who will then share his heart with the congregation so that they will be like-minded with him. This like-mindedness is especially important for board members, cluster leaders, cell group leaders and staff because we are helping the pastor at all levels of leadership. We should help to emphasize, communicate and reinforce the vision of the church to both old and new members.
The church in Philippi was more concerned about their personal prestige, selfish ambitions and drawing away members rather than bringing unity to the local church. They were highly opinionated without reason or basis and had an one-up mentality.
Exclusivity, class bias, racism, and preoccupation with our own needs is not love. When we love others as Christ loves us, then there is no place for the above wrong attitudes because we are all in Christ.
God dislikes disunity, rebellion and strife. It takes intentional effort to set aside one’s own desires and choose to align with the church, by putting the needs of the church first and becoming in sync with her philosophy and mission.
2 Chronicles 5:13-14, “Indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers WERE AS ONE, to make ONE SOUND to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying: “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever,” that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.”
Unity and oneness in the body ushers in the manifested presence of God in a church.
Being of one mind is the inner desire to conduct oneself in a cooperative manner, to be on the same team and to go for the same objectives, for the benefit of one another. The one mind or one goal of ICS is to preach the gospel and to make Jesus known. This is why ICS has made place mats, picnic mats, mugs and umbrella for us to use as conversation starters.
Unity in the church should not be taken for granted and it takes a lot of hard work to ensure that we are of the same heart, mind, passion and vision. Sometimes, God will give us a new strategic plan and we must not be resistant to change.
ICS needs all of us who are worshipping in ICS to be aligned with her vision by serving in the various ministries. In so doing, we can fulfill the mandate given by God together.
Sermon Series: United for a Common Purpose
