One Accord, One Mind
ICS Daily Devotions
James 2:2-4 (KNJV) “For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?”
The church in Philippi was more concerned with personal prestige and selfish ambition than with fostering unity among the congregation. Being exclusive, biased against the rich and poor, racist, and focused on our own needs is not love, certainly not the same kind of love that Christ has for us. We are to have the same love for one another, just as Christ loves us unconditionally. When we love others as Christ loves us, there is no room for wrong attitudes, spiritual pride, or elitism; nor should we be concerned about the different strata of society within the church or nationalities, because we are all in Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, God’s love is poured out from our hearts to the people around us. Therefore, we should all have the same love in our hearts for the Lord.
God dislikes disunity, rebellion, and strife. It takes effort, dying to self, and choosing to align with the church by making her our priority, so that we can be in one accord. Unity does not come about automatically and requires us to be intentional about it. When we are united in spirit, there is an absence of individualism or selfish ambition. Unity and oneness in the body usher in God’s manifested presence in a church.
2 Chronicles 5:13a (NKJV) 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,
It takes many musicians to create a unique sound, as they are known for their individuality. Therefore, these trumpeters and singers were united, producing one sound, which was a sign of being in one accord to glorify God! It wasn’t about them anymore, but all about God. He is the only audience in worship. We can do likewise. We sing to the audience of one.
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. No pastor can fulfil the calling of building the local church alone. They need partners just like Paul, who was in partnership with the church in Philippi. The church will not be effective and efficient in carrying out her calling unless the congregation is of one accord, with the same love, being like-minded with the pastor and focused on the same goal of preaching the gospel.
Sermon Series : Unity In Diversity
