BE OF ONE MIND

“Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬). The Bible tells us that believers are to be of one mind. Yet it is not talking about uniformity of doctrine. No two people can think exactly alike any more than they can look exactly alike. Doctrinal conformity is not the unity, the one-mindedness, that the Bible enjoins. It is an attitude or disposition of the heart. We are to be one in our allegiance to Christ. We are to have feelings of affection for one another, whether we agree on doctrine or not.

Daniel Anderson noted, “Church historians have indicated that for quite an extended period there was a beautiful freedom of thought and inquiry. People would meet and freely discuss ideas about the nature of the Godhead and other profound topics of the Scriptures, as freely as we today meet and talk about the weather. There was no fear of embracing heresy.

“As time went on there developed a crystallization along particular doctrinal lines. Systematic theologies began to be produced. Prominent church bishops attracted followings. Divisions along doctrinal lines developed. And then, to me, the most tragic event of all took place. Constantine the Great used Christianity to consolidate his power, nominally, making the Roman Empire a Christian Empire. He convened the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D., demanding that it unify the Christian Church so that he could more effectively administer the affairs of the empire.

“This council, beset by factions and strife, finally produced what is called the Nicene Creed. It was declared to be the orthodox faith. All must submit to it or face the threat of persecution, loss of property, loss of family, even loss of life, and, of course, loss of salvation. No longer was there healthy inquiry and freedom of discussion. This was replaced by fear and submission to authority” (Be Likeminded, Published by The Open Bible Trust and Grace Publications, 1992, p. 7).

The problem in “orthodox circles,” both then and now, is that our mutual allegiance to Jesus is not enough. Faith in Christ is not enough. We demand that others see “doctrinal things” like we do. But this is unbiblical and an insult to the unity of Christ’s body. We are one because we know Christ. Everyone who loves Jesus is one with everyone else who loves Jesus, regardless of what they may understand, be wrong about, or know intellectually. Orthodoxy should be determined by whether or not one loves Jesus.

Paul dealt with this in 1 Corinthians chapter 8: “Now concerning your question about food that has been offered to idols. Indeed, we all have knowledge about this issue. But while knowledge puffs us up with pride, it is love that builds up the church. If anyone believes that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But the one who loves God—this person is known by God.” (1 Corinthians‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬-‭3). Remember that: the person who loves God is known by God. Paul went on to reveal that some in the Corinthian fellowship did not even know that there is only one God (verse 7). And yet they were a part of the body of Christ (1:2). So it is not knowledge that makes us acceptable to God, it is love for God. And that should make us acceptable to one another.

Dewayne Dunaway