Christ’s Example (Unity)
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Scripture Reading:
• Philippians 2:1-2 - So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any
participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same
mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
• 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 - I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of
you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind
and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling
among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow
Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?
Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
Thought:
Ask a 10 of Disc Golfers the best way to play a hole, and you will probably get 11 answers (thanks
to the player who always “hedges” when giving advice). If the players know you, your strengths and
weaknesses, the options provided will lessen, since everyone is not thinking of their own way to play, but
the best way for you to play that specific hole. That is because everyone is coming together to help you.
Paul’s encouragement to the Philippians to be of one mind does not mean they thoughtlessly just
agreed with one another to avoid conflict. Rather, they are to do the hard work of seeking unity with one
another, despite differences in thoughts and personalities. The motivations for this hard work are
encouragement, comfort, participation in the Spirit, affection, and sympathy. These are still strong
motivations today for us to work at unity with or fellow sisters and brothers in Christ.
In seeking unity, the best place to start is what all Christians have in common, and that is Christ.
It is Christ who saved us, redeemed us, and made us His own. Other Christian leaders, while they may be
great, are no substitute for Christ. The best place to go together to grow in one mind in Christ as a
community is Scripture. Together, we can support each other in the hard work of “knowing Christ and
making Him known”
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Reflection 1: Is my understanding of Christ primarily through another person, or the Bible?
Reflection 2: What can I learn from other believers who also are seeking to know Christ, but have different
views then me?
Prayer: Lord, I pray that through your Holy Spirit, you would unite all believers in the love and unity You
desire for us. Especially help me in being a part of that. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen!
Contributed by: Dean Langenhahn | PDGA #208802