Recently my husband and I spent a week in South Carolina, visiting our daughter and her family. While there, we attended a Presbyterian church and heard a very good sermon about the importance of believers being "of one mind." Philippians 2:2 (Looks like I am back to the unity in Christ theme from April!).
This doesn't mean we'll always agree about everything. It does mean that we will meditate on the things that unite us.
"...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8
As a member of the body of Christ we receive so many good things --forgiveness, love, acceptance and encouragement for a start. We are able to receive the sacraments, to worship and to work with others who share the common goal of spreading the Gospel. When our minds are filled with gratitude for all that we've received, most disagreements with one another will pale.
Early in Philippians we are exhorted to:
"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4
In other words, we are to put on the mind of Christ, who sacrificed Himself for the good of others, humbly, as a servant. When we imitate Him, we will "shine as lights in the world"(Philippians 2:15b) and the sweet aroma of unity will fill our lives.
For more about unity in Christ see these posts:
Dietrich Bonhoeffer — What it Means to be in Christ as a Community
United with Christ through His Church
Christ-Centered Conflict Resolution by Tony Merida–Book Review
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