THE BIG QUESTION
Q: The pandemic has created chaos for our women’s ministry. No one can agree on how we should meet. What should we do? Wow. Look how much unity Paul advocated. This goes way beyond petty issues like what to serve for a church dinner or who gets to use the fellowship hall on Thursday nights. I believe he’s referring to doctrine. In the Early Church, Augustine taught unity in essential doctrines and freedom in the unimportant issues. Meaning, you agree on huge issues like the deity of Christ and the Virgin Birth. Shrug off less critical topics. Second, look at Philippians 2:5.
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus” (NAS) . cynthia l. simmons | clsimmons.com
Your question reminds me of the passage Paul wrote to the Philippian church: “I urge Euodia, and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord” (Philippians 4:2 NASB). He wanted them to work together instead of creating chaos by pulling in different directions. While writing those words, Paul sat in a Roman prison, which means the news about these ladies traveled a long way. In that era, getting from one place to the other wasn’t easy, but the issue at stake was vital. Notice, Paul entreated both ladies—saying it twice even though God doesn’t waste words. He pressed them to “live in harmony” utilizing the verb phroneo, which involves thinking. In this context, it means allowing the Lord to influence your thoughts. Let’s look at several other verses to fill in the picture.
The phrase “have this attitude” is the imperative verb form of phroneo. In other words, this verse commands us to think like Jesus. What an assignment! Of course, Jesus “looked out for the interests of others” and became a man to die for our sins. In essence, Jesus prioritized our needs over His, and that’s an excellent lesson for anyone. Sit down and listen to the reasons why people hold strong views about the meeting. Maybe they have an elderly relative in their home, or perhaps they have their medical concerns. I heard one lady say she almost fainted while wearing a mask because she didn’t get enough oxygen. She hated them.
Thinking like Christ means honoring both types of people and finding a way for them both to win. How you are going to meet is less important than Christ and sharing the truth. In summary, Make the Lord and His word your focus as you draw your ladies into fellowship. Paul wanted to hear that the Philippians were
“standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” “Make my joy complete by being of the same (Philippians 1:27 NASB). mind, maintaining the same love, united in So like Esther, let’s arise together” to accomplish God’s work spirit, intent on one purpose” (NASB). for his kingdom! First, let’s consider Philippians 2:2. Paul used the noun form of phroneo, which scholars translated “mind”:
15.
