In Philippians 2:1-4, Paul had already challenged the church at Philippi to be clothed with humility, even pointing to the example of Jesus Christ humbling Himself to do the will of God. Now, Paul cites a specific incident which seems to be happening in the church at Philippi. There were two ladies named Euodia and Syntyche who were apparently involved in some type of conflict causing division within the church. Paul writes “I implore Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.” Both women were very involved in the church because Paul mentions that “these women labored with me in the gospel…whose names are in the Book of Life.” Since Paul writes that their names are in the Book of Life, these women were followers in Jesus Christ and would both inherit eternal life; however, this conflict existed between them. The advice Paul gives is very simple…”be of the same mind in the Lord.” Although we do not know the details of their conflict, Paul urges them to be unified in the things which they agreed upon. Conflict is inevitable within the church, but there does not need to be ongoing division as a result of it. These women’s disagreement does not seem to be over false teaching or sin, but some form of differing opinion. God asks us to agree on those things which are clearly stated in His word, but leaves room for differing viewpoints on secondary issues. Paul writes in Romans 14:17 that “the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Some modern day churches put a lot of emphasis on external conformity and non-essentials so the things which are not necessarily mentioned in God’s Word become more important than that which is very clear. We need to be united in the Lord in those things which God clearly emphasizes in His word, but leave room for disagreement in those things which are not close to God’s heart. Personal conflict can be set aside when we practice humility instead of selfishness.
Dear God, unite me together with Your people and may I set aside any secondary differences or personal conflict which may cause harm to the body of Christ.
