Originally posted on Facebook on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.
During my study time this morning, I was struck by this wonderful gem about how to walk with other disciples of Christ who I disagree with.
"Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you."
—Philippians 3:15
Note how Paul trusts the Holy Spirit, "if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you."
Paul doesn't force what he's saying.
He gives what God gives him.
He doesn't quarrel with those who don't or can't yet receive it.
He trusts God with those who may disagree with him AND he seeks to continue walking with them in Christ, "keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace". (Ephesians 4:3)
Though they may disagree now, Paul invites them to walk together with him, trusting God to bring them together along The Way. He doesn't cut them off.
"Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind."
—Philippians 3:16
It's an approach and attitude that demonstrates real spiritual maturity and an authentic love and desire for Christ as well as for the things of Christ.
It's a stark contrast to the rage and brow-beating that is commonly the response of those that cannot patiently bear with others in their spiritual development and who cannot tolerate for anyone to disagree with them because it threatens their fragile egos built on the approval of men and justification based on the collective affirmation of the group, rather than Christ.
It is so easy to be the latter. I must beware.
I must trust God that He will get me and those who disagree to where we need to be (we could both be wrong — God alone is wise), I must pray for them, I must desire their fellowship in Christ and seek to keep the togetherness already established by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:3) as I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
This is an ability that, I dare say, is not only required for discipleship but is proof whether I'm in the faith at all.
I can already hear, "How can two walk together unless they agree?"
They can when they share love of One greater than their disagreement.