Philippians 4:2-3; Unity

“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. ³ Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.”

In his final exhortations to the Philippian church, Paul pleaded with these two to work together in unity. These ladies were active in the gospel; serving side-by-side with Paul. They were true, devoted followers of Christ and critical cogs in the Philippian church. Yet for whatever reason, they couldn’t get along.  There was enough conflict that Paul heard about it all the way in a Roman prison.

It reminds me of Jesus’ last address to His disciples. In His last moments with the disciples, He prayed that they would be unified.  Unity is serious business!

Why don’t we play well with others?  There are probably many reasons, but I will mention two: Number one: because we are human.  As my pastor in Houston used to say: “We are like a bunch of porcupines huddling together to stay warm. The closer we get, the more we poke one another and get poked in return.”  We are prideful, petty, and prejudiced and that old human nature constantly battles against our recreated natures. 

And number two: because we have an enemy who desperately wants to keep us from working together.  The enemy constantly attacks us through our relationships – it is an effective tactic that takes our eyes off Christ and His work and causes us to judge others and turns our focus inward.

Here are three things to keep in mind to foster a spirit of unity:

1. Prayer: If we want unity like Jesus and the Father are unified, then we need the power of the Holy Spirit working on our behalf.  We need to actively pray for unity. Specifically that we will be agents of unity and not a roadblock to it.

2. Keep your eye on the prize: We have to remember that we are here for a purpose – to be the hands and feet of Jesus to everyone we come into contact with.  Remember that and all the things that bring conflict will roll off your back.

3. Consider others more important than yourself: Unity is built upon the foundation of self-denial and humility.  Our purpose in Christ is more important than getting our way or being in charge.  Our purpose in Christ is more important than minor theological differences or preferences in worship styles.  Selfishness and self-interest strangle unity.

There are many other things that could be added to that list, but if you focus on those three things, that will help you create a spirit of unity.  A word to remember: unity is almost always more important than the things that divide us. 

“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” – Augustine