Examining Scripture:
“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.
Recompense to no man evil for evil.
Provide things honest in the sight of all men.”
Romans 12:16-17
Evaluating Soil:
Disunity, disrespect, disharmony, disdain, dysfunction, and dishonesty are not behaviors of people who claim to believe in God and follow Christ as their Savior. They’re not the characteristics of Christians who are trying to live holy lives. Negative attitudes and actions don’t make us strong spiritually, emotionally, or mentally. They’re not beneficial attributes and do not contribute to our holiness.
The divisions we see today are killing the spirituality of hearts, homes, churches, and the world in general. Having the same mind toward one another should bring us solace, simplicity, and solutions that give us more Scriptural, sensible and secure lives. Sadly, it seems, many of us are struggling to stay on the same page with God and each other.
Experiencing Seasons:
When I disagree and become prideful, arrogant, or conceited in my self-declared wisdom, I justify returning evil for evil to people I feel have wronged me or I feel have wronged someone else. Sometimes, I refrain and other times I lose my composure and let it rip.
It’s very unbecoming of a “Christian” or “Lady” and I regret my behavior every time it happens. It shames me to lose my cool or lower myself to bad behavior. I never want to do wrong to others and hurt them as they may have hurt me or someone I love. But, I have and I’m sorry for it.
Embracing Solace:
Having the same mind helps us enjoy and endure the seasons we face with unity of purpose for what God has designed for us. It also helps us enjoy more peace in our lives and relationships.
Enjoying Simplicity:
Think about how much easier it would be to live holy, sacrificial lives if believers were united in following God’s Word and ways. Satan’s influence would be hindered because his efforts to divide us would fail. Life would be much simpler if we didn’t spend so much of it debating, disagreeing, and discouraging each other.
Employing Solutions:
If, instead of wanting our own ways, we joined each other in learning God’s way and treated each other, with grace, as equals, life could flow more smoothly.
Having the same mind is our Creator’s solution to overcoming our struggles.
Let’s revisit the list of instructions in Romans 12:16-17 that we are to follow on our path toward living holy lives for God:
- 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.
- Recompense to no man evil for evil.
- Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
These are pretty definitive tasks that should not be taken lightly by God’s children. It can’t be said clearer. There is no way around it and exceptions or excuses aren’t included.
God wants us to have the same mind toward each other that He wants us to have before Him. Let’s remember this:
“But as he which hath called you is holy,
so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
1 Peter 1:15-16
Bring It Home
What ways do you feel would help you have the same mind with those around you?
Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC
Behavior is learned. We must be in the Word and surround ourselves with liked-minded Christ followers.
We also must teach “the little ones”, which is sadly not a priority any longer for most.
Well said Evelyn.
We learn by being shown and taught and it’s lacking for sure.
Praying I will improve in these areas. Thanks for your inspiring reply.
Smiles, BRC