Teamwork!

I work with a tremendous group of women and we have developed great teamwork.  We work together, each accomplishing a part of our goal, without anyone giving particular direction, sometimes without even speaking.  We know our tasks so well, and are so well-trained in assessing a situation, that we can see immediately what has been done and what still needs to be done and we just do it.

 It is as if we can read each other's minds, actually it is better than that, it is as if we had the same mind.

This is the command we receive from the Apostle Paul:

"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).

As Christians, we are to be "like-minded".  We are each unique individuals with unique backgrounds and histories, so some might ask, how can we all have the "same mind"?  We are each to seek the "mind of Christ" (Philippians 2:5).

This is especially important in times of conflict when our brains and our feelings don't seem to agree with one another.  During these times we should purposefully come together to seek the mind of Christ in the matter.  We should admit that  none of us have all the facts, none of us perfectly assimilate the information given to us. Above all we should follow the instructions of the Apostle Paul to "be not wise in your own conceits" (Romans 12:16).

The Scriptures tell us that we have "the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16) and also that "if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know" (1 Corinthians 8:2).    When we are in conflict with a brother or sister, and we feel that fleshly pride and indignation rise up in our hearts, we can know one thing, it is most likely the direct opposite of the Lord Jesus' "meek and lowly" (Matthew 11:29) spirit and mind.

So just what is the mind of the Lord Jesus like that is now by faith our mind?

 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  

But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant,

 and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, 

He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." 

Philippians 2:5-8

It is a mind that does not seek to exalt itself, but willingly sets aside all rights and privileges for the lives of others.  It is a mind that gives up reputation and position for the sake of love.  It is a mind that   is humble, meek and lowly of spirit. This is our example and indeed this is the mind of the very Spirit of God living in us as believers.  By faith, we believe the Scriptures are true and that this mind is now our mind. 

The truth of the matter is we do want the "mind of Christ" in every matter above what our fleshly desires and thoughts may try to tell us we want.  When we begin to approach our situations, and especially our conflicts, with this in mind, we will more and more begin to see that "same mind" exhibited in and through us and our fellow believers.

 "By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another."

John 13:35