Young People's Group

Being of One Mind in the Lord

by Mitchell Tan
February 14, 2019

THE PROBLEM OF HAVING UNRESOLVED DIFFICULTIES WITH EACH OTHER

One of the problems that can affect those who serve the Lord is relational difficulties. Sometimes, unresolved difficulties can cause tension among servants of God. This was something that Paul had to deal with as he wrote to the Philippians. There were two female servants of the Lord who were not getting along well with each other.

“I implore Euodia and I implore Syntchye”
Philippians 4:2

Euodia and Syntche may have had a quarrel that led them to have a negative sense of misgivings with each other. They were part of Paul’s team of fellow laborers in Christ. And their difficulty with each other must have affected the team.

SEEKING TO BE OF ONE MIND

1. STRONG EXHORTATION TO BE ONE IN THE LORD

“I implore Euodia and I implore Syntchye to be of the same mind in the Lord.”
Philippians 4:2

Paul implored both Euodia and Syntchye to focus on the Lord and not themselves. Paul used the word “implore” as he addressed each lady because they were probably sensitive about the matter and deference was given to both of them. They were probably strong-minded people who labored in the gospel. They were to humble themselves and to learn to have the same way of thinking in Christ. Their focus should be the unity of the team rather than be caught up with their differences.

2. GETTING THE RIGHT PEOPLE TO HELP THESE TWO LADIES

“And I urge you also true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose name are in the Book of Life.”
Philippians 4:3

Paul had to urge different groups of people to help deal with this problem. They could have done something about it. But probably they did not. They left it unresolved.

A. TRUE COMPANION

The word “companion” has the idea of being “yoked” together. This was someone who was “yoked” together with Paul in service. He was specially asked by Paul to take these ladies and to help them work through their differences.

B. CLEMENT

Clement must have had some level of influence among the ladies. He was specially mentioned because Paul must have thought he would be a good person to help the two ladies to be reconciled.

C. FELLOW WORKERS

Paul was getting as many people as possible to help these ladies. These were their fellow workers together in the ministry. Perhaps, one of them could get through to the ladies.

Young people, let’s be aware that if there should be such problems of relational difficulties, they should be dealt with rather than leaving them unresolved. People who have possible areas of influence should be called in to help. Let’s remind each other that our names are written in the Book of Life. Let’s always seek to be united in mind and heart even as we serve.

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