Like Minded?

Romans 15:5,6, KJV
Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In this devotional, we return to Romans 15 for the Bible Benediction shown above. Why would Paul, the writer of Romans, proclaim such a benediction? Why does he appeal to God to grant a like minded spirit among believers?

One would think that in the church, where the Word of God is proclaimed as the source of all belief in Christ, true unity would abound. Unfortunately, that same church is filled with sinful creatures such as us! In reality, there seems to be more disunity among believers that anywhere else! Satan truly is at war with the people of God and has been extremely effective in God's church.

In my lifetime, I have seen church split after church split. As a matter of fact, I am known to quip, "The true miracle of heaven will be the unity of all believers!" It should not be the case that our dearest friends in Christ become our greatest enemies when leaving one church for another. Often, we are so busy warring against one another that the poor lost sheep are left to go astray.

Dear friend in Christ, that should not be. What a wonderful thing to have so many versions of God's Word in so many languages. While it is so very important to be true to God's Word, let us understand that there is some laxity that should be allowed due to the truth that we are all sinners. Not one of us truly understands the Bible so perfectly that we are without error in our understanding.

How arrogant to even believe that we know God so perfectly. Only in Heaven will we truly understand everything perfectly. Only in Heaven will we be allowed to see God face to face.

Let us take this thought to heart today, and pray that our God would grant us patience and unity with other believers, as we seek to obey our Lord, and Master in proclaiming the Gospel to the lost all around us. In doing so, may we, with one mind and one mouth glorify God.

Prayer: Now the God of patience and consolation grant us to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That we may with one mind and one mouth glorify God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. AMEN!