One Mind

Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Romans 12:16

Living together in the local church requires each member of the body of Christ to have interpersonal relationships with one another. As the brain interconnects with different parts of the body so that it operates efficiently and as a whole, the local church is no different. Every member ought to have the same ends, the same goal and aspiration within and for the body of Christ, and that is to ensure its growth, its continuous obedience to Christ, its fulfillment of the Great Commission and the discipling of each other for the glory of God. How can Christians be One in their thinking? Paul teaches that we are to:

Be of the same mind towards one another

We are “Think of, … seek after the same thing for each other; that is, what you regard or seek for yourself, seek also for your brethren. Do not have divided interests; do not be pursuing different ends and aims; do not indulge counter plans and purposes; ….” (Albert Barnes) It is vital in the life of the local church that members have the interest of the whole body at heart, and that the approach and direction of their involvement in the body is consistent with the will and direction of the body itself. We are to be of the same mind, thinking the same thing, not having divided interests, but be similarly pursuing the same direction, same goals for the body of Christ.

Mind not high things:

Paul here teaches that we are not to pursue after rank, status, and wealth in this life, but as the bible teaches us, that we are to be contented with such things as we have. Those who desire prestige, the things of this world, the fame and riches connected with it, will have a different mind to the church. When a team aims to win but one aims to do otherwise, the mind of the team is weakened. The individual who insists on his own thinking will affect the Oneness within the local church, and GOD’s will for it because no man can serve two masters. In the times of Paul, the Christians are usually of the poorer status, Paul teaches the Christians in the roman church to be happy in their estate and seek the joys that the Lord brings in their position.

Condescend to men of low estate:

Condescension means being led away, and in this instance, the mind is to be affected and submitted to men of low estate. We are to willingly yield to the humbler things of life and living. This is a precious principle that the higher and lower classes of people can be one in mind. One preacher once shared “what a blessing to see the boss of a factory, a rich man, sitting shoulder to shoulder with one of his lowly waged workers in church, praising the same God “It reflects a humility of heart and a willingness to esteem others better than ourselves when we willingly submit ourselves down to the level of mean men, for the glory of GOD.

Be not wise in our own conceits

Paul teaches us not to follow what we self-conceitedly think is right but rather seek counsel, and listen to the inputs of others. . That we might have mutual benefit. Conceit is synonymous with pride, and we know that pride divides. For “Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: … ”Self-centred thinking can potentially be an enemy of the local body because it divides the local church in its direction. When Achan took of the accursed thing because he minded the expensive riches of Jericho, it stopped the advance of the children of Israel, hindered God’s will for the Jews, and brought defeat to the nation. When we adopt in our minds, the principle Paul teaches, not to be wise in our own conceits, then we are able to contribute to the well-being and growth of the body of Christ.

May we think alike, mind not high things, be willing to lower ourselves for our brethren, for Jesus’ sake, and not to be self-conceited. May we be of ONE MIND for the glory of GOD.