SATURDAY, APRIL 15
1 Corinthians 1:10
Philippians 2:1-11

"…that ye be perfectly joined together
in the same mind…"

UNITED IN MINDSET!

Paul also reminded the Corinthian Christians that they should be "perfectly joined together in the same mind" (1 Cor 1:10). The term katartizō is often used to describe the mending of broken nets, utensils or dislocated bones. The schisms in the Corinthian church could be mended if the believers had a united mindset and attitude. This united mindset is not that of the world but of Christ. "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves" (Phil 2:1-3). Seek love, not hatred. Pursue construction, not destruction.

While it is true that "a brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city" (Prov 18:19), a man with the mind of Christ will be humble and ready to forgive and seek reconciliation with his brother. "A natural brother when he quarrels with his brother cannot be reconciled. But a spiritual brother can and must make up with his brother under the conviction of the Word by the persevering working of the Holy Spirit" (Timothy Tow). "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Eph 4:32).

Once everyone in the church has the same mind of Christ, it will lead all to have "the same judgment" (1 Cor 1:10). The Bible will be the common yardstick to judge all things. God’s Word will truly be the sole, supreme and final authority in faith and practice. However, if there are some whose thoughts are worldly, will it not lead to a clash? The world and the Word cannot mix. Let us therefore make sure our thoughts and hearts are fully focused on the Lord Jesus Christ.

THOUGHT: My thoughts must be controlled by God’s Word.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, control my thoughts.