“I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.” (Philippians 4:2–3, KJV)
One time in a sermon, I decided to give an illustration of the importance of harmony in the church. I took my guitar and played a well-known contemporary Christian song. However, instead of playing the chord progression (G, C, D) properly, I dropped my hand down the neck of the guitar one fret and played the same chords with the same finger positions. The sound was hideous. The reason was that while the strings on the guitar are all different, they are tuned to work together on the chords to harmonize with a pleasant tune. After playing the chords improperly, I played them the properly and the congregation got the point. Believers are to be in harmony with one another in the Lord.
Paul wrote to the recipient of the letter regarding two women who has labored with Paul in the gospel ministry. These were Euodias and Syntyche. He wrote that the colleague who received the letter would work to help these women “be of the same mind in the Lord.” The verb “help” in the verse three, sullambano, is a command that carries the thought of taking hold of to help (Strong, Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon G4815). It is a strong and vital command. Apparently, the two women were not on the same page with the Lord’s will.
It is vital that people be of the same mind in the local church. We realize that the church is comprised of imperfect people from all aspects of life. None are perfect and all are different. Just like the strings of a guitar, they are different and are tuned to make a different tone. However, like the strings of a guitar, they are tuned by the master to fit harmoniously together so that when resonated together they will produce a harmonious sound. What or rather who is the one who will work in the members of a congregation to produce such a beautiful harmony? It is the Lord by His Spirit.
Ultimately, for harmony to exist in a church, the parishioners must recognize Christ as the head of the church and seek to understand and seek to do His will and to do so as He directs. For this to happen two things are essential. Believers first must be led by the Spirit of God. This means Spirit filled living. The Holy Spirit will never ever lead a congregation to be disharmonious. If believers are not of the same mind, some or all are not being led of the Spirit in their thinking.
The second essential thing is the word of God and prayer. It is impossible to understand the will of the Lord without spending time in the word and in much prayer. If there is conflict between believers one of the first questions to ask is right there. “How much time are you spending on the Bible and prayer?”
I have seen so much damage in churches because believers are not of one accord on an issue. The is the only reason that churches split. Jesus stated it correctly, “if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” (Mark 3:25, KJV) Let us all seek for harmony in our churches. If there are differences of opinions on an issue. Believers with a humble spirit will seek harmony by waiting on the Lord for direction, seeking Him in His word and in prayer.
Renewing the Heart 