One Mind

Introduction

Philippians 2:1–4 ESV

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Humans Fight

Human beings fight. Human beings fight. Human beings hurt each other. Human beings kill each other. Human beings can’t get along.

Conflict from the outside looks simple and easy to solve, but in reality, it is far more complex than it appears. The pain and suffering caused by fighting is greater than any perceived benefits, so it is important to find a peaceful resolution.

Diagnosis

Philippians 2:3 ESV

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

So here we have the essence of what causes fighting. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit …”

The Timothy Keller Sermon Archive, 1989-2011 Be Humble and Make Peace

A spirit of rivalry, a spirit of hyper-fighting, tells us that this is a spirit that is governed not by truth or reason or thought, but by prejudice.

In other words, you’re a person who says, “By definition, I’m right, because it’s me. By definition, my needs are right, because they’re my needs

The spirit of rivalry is in all of us, and it makes us take things personally instead of being governed by thought or reason. We should strive to overcome this tendency and be guided by truth and reason in our relationships. Paul encourages us to do nothing out of selfish ambition in order to avoid strife and create healthier relationships.

The spirit that makes us take things personally is the same one that turns every discussion into something about ourselves, instead of the issue or truth at hand.

The spirit of rivalry is that which makes it impossible for you to think about the issue in front of you. Instead, you think about, “What is this doing to my pride? What is this doing to my relationship? What is this doing to my reputation, my standing? How does it make me look?” Most of us use the term personality clash.

The Philippian Church mature congregation but still had problems with attitude of strife.

Kenodoxia means a person empty of, starving for, glory

Humans are motivated by a deep fear of insignificance, and we often try to manufacture glory out of this fear. We become unstable and respond irrationally when anybody suggests that we aren’t important or significant. This is our kenodoxia, or vainglory, at work.

Remedy