What does it mean to be like-minded? Who do you want to be like-minded with? Does being like-minded sound like being united? What about being of the same spirit? What does that mean? Do you want to be of the same spirit with someone?
Being of the same mind and same spirit probably makes sense for a spouse. After all, thinking alike, having the same interests, and pursuing the same goal aid in keeping a relationship strong. Otherwise, we are likely to decide to go our separate ways.
Most of us also have similar tendencies, interests, thoughts, and goals as our parents. Over time, as we mature and are exposed to different experiences, those may change. Yet, what we learn from our parents will stick with us, even if we don’t always agree.
But is there someone we should be of the same mind with, regardless of who we are? Yes. God wants us to be of the same mind as Christ. He wants us to be of the same spirit. And we can. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He puts His Spirit in us—the Holy Spirit. As we listen to Him and follow His guidance, we become of the same mind. This is how following Him changes us in a positive way.
The most important way God wants us to be like Christ is in our love. As we love like Christ, we show the world who He is, we draw people to Him, we help increase the kingdom of God here on this earth. By the way, that also is obedience to His calling for each of us.
I pray we all seek to be of the same mind as Jesus. I pray we accept His Spirit and become of the same spirit. I pray each one of us show the same love Christ did to everyone we meet. Be like-minded with Christ. Be of one spirit. Be of one mind. Have the same love. Show Christ’s love to everyone you meet.
Philippians 2:1-4 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Marty Pressey 