Unity of Mind, Part 1

The essence of Christian life, as outlined by Paul in Romans 12, demands a radical shift from self-centeredness to a communal existence grounded in God’s mercies. This transition from theological depth to practical application underscores the heart of Paul’s pastoral concern: how we live in light of divine grace. Central to this lived experience is the exhortation to “be of the same mind,” a call that echoes throughout Paul’s writings and serves as a cornerstone for the Christian community’s ethical and relational framework.

The Mindset of Harmony: Beyond Mere Agreement

Paul’s directive in Romans 12:16, “Be of the same mind toward one another,” is not a superficial call for uniformity but a profound invitation to unity of purpose and heart. The Greek term “φρονέω” (phroneō), from which this phrase derives, suggests more than intellectual agreement; it embodies an attitude, a way of thinking that informs how we engage with one another. This mindset is not merely about aligning thoughts but cultivating a shared vision that reflects the character and mind of Christ.

Philippians 2:2 offers a parallel expression of this unity, where Paul writes, “Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” Here, Paul expands on the idea, intertwining the unity of mind with love, spiritual solidarity, and a common purpose. This is not a call to a sterile conformity but to a vibrant, dynamic unity that breathes life into the community. It’s about embodying a collective ethos, where humility, love, and mutual respect create a fertile ground for spiritual growth and communal harmony.

Theological Depth: Rooted in the Mind of Christ

At the core of this call to unity is the example of Christ Himself. In Philippians 2:5, Paul urges believers to “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” The mindset that believers are to adopt is nothing less than the mindset of Christ—characterized by humility, self-sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of the Father’s will. This Christlike mindset must permeate the church, guiding its members toward a unity that reflects the divine nature.

Romans 15:5-6 further illuminates this by connecting the unity of mind with the glorification of God: “May the God of endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This unity is not an end in itself but a means to a greater end: the glorification of God. It is in this unified, harmonious community that God is most glorified, as the church becomes a living testimony to the power of the gospel.

Practical Outworking: Humility as the Bedrock of Unity

Unity in the church is not a natural byproduct of human effort; it requires intentionality, a constant leaning into the grace of God. Paul, aware of the human tendency toward pride and division, emphasizes humility as the bedrock of this unity. In Romans 12:16, he continues, “Do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.” The antithesis of unity is pride—a self-exalting mindset that sees others as inferior and self as superior. Paul’s admonition here is clear: unity demands humility. It requires us to forsake our lofty opinions and embrace the lowly, recognizing that in Christ, there is no hierarchy of worth but a community of equals.

This humility is echoed throughout the New Testament. In Ephesians 4:2-3, Paul writes, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Maintaining unity is not passive but active, requiring a constant posture of humility, gentleness, and love. It’s about bearing with one another, not just tolerating but actively supporting, encouraging, and uplifting one another.

The Power of Unity: A Testimony to the World

When the church lives out this call to be of the same mind, it becomes a powerful testimony to the world. Jesus prayed in John 17:21, “That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” The unity of the church is not just for the benefit of the believers but for the sake of the world. It is through our unity that the world sees the reality of Christ. Our harmonious relationships become a mirror reflecting the love, grace, and truth of the gospel.

However, this unity is not a call to ignore differences or suppress individual gifts and perspectives. Instead, it is a call to weave these differences into a beautiful tapestry of communal life. As Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 12, the body of Christ is made up of many parts, each with its own function, yet all are essential to the body’s health. True unity celebrates diversity while maintaining a common purpose and vision—a commitment to the gospel and the glory of God.

Application: Living Out the Call to Unity

For the modern church, the call to “be of the same mind” is as relevant as ever. In a world that increasingly celebrates individualism and division, the church is called to be a counter-cultural community, marked by unity and love. This unity is not about silencing dissent or ignoring differences but about finding common ground in Christ and working together for the advancement of the kingdom.

Practically, this means prioritizing relationships over being right, choosing humility over pride, and embracing others, especially those we might naturally overlook. It means actively seeking to understand and appreciate different perspectives within the body, always aiming to build up rather than tear down.

James 3:17 offers wisdom for this journey, describing the wisdom from above as “pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” This wisdom should guide our interactions, ensuring that our pursuit of unity is always marked by purity of heart, peace, and gentleness.

Conclusion: Unity as the Reflection of Christ

In Romans 12:16, Paul’s exhortation to “be of the same mind” calls the church to a higher standard of living—one that reflects the mind of Christ. This unity is not merely about agreement on doctrines or preferences but about embodying Christ’s love, humility, and selflessness in our relationships. It is a unity that glorifies God, edifies the church, and testifies to the world of the transformative power of the gospel.

As we strive to live out this calling, we must remember that unity is not something we create but something we maintain through the Spirit’s power. It is the Spirit who binds us together in love, who enables us to humble ourselves, and who empowers us to live in harmony with one another. In doing so, we become a living expression of the body of Christ, a community that reflects the heart and mind of our Savior to a watching world.

The next section in this series will discuss how we can have unity of mind with disagreeing ideas and opinions, even different theologies, to an extent.