In Philippians 4 vs. 2 & 3 we read of two Christian women who had been quite energetic and effective in the work of the gospel. Unfortunately, there were some differences between these two - they could not agree. Maybe they couldn't sit beside each other in worship, maybe they couldn't speak kindly to each other, and maybe they were causing some real problems. We're just not told.
What hinders us from "agreeing with each other in the Lord" and how can we overcome these hindrances? Sometimes it's opinions. Sometimes, personalities. Other times though, there are doctrinal issues that must be dealt with.
There is a special bond between Christians. Do you think it would be possible to have a successful marriage and live in 2 separate states? Of course not! For any relationship to work, there must be proximity!
Romans 12:15 & 16 "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. be of the same mind toward one another." Are we able to do that if we aren't involved in one another's lives? Consider the "one" passages in Ephesians 4. When I was experiencing a particularly difficult problem with a sister Christian, I found I Corinthians 12:21 - "And the eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you'; nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.' " We are to be one with each other.
If we consider the example of a wagon wheel where God/Christ are at the hub and Christians are the spokes - as we draw closer to God, the closer we must get to each other. We cannot get closer to God without being close with our fellow Christians - it is impossible!
We must gain the intimacy of Christian fellowship - and oftentimes that means we must step outside of our comfort zones. If we have a problem, we should contact our Christian family. We need to be involved in fellowship daily with them. Are we glued together? Jesus said in Matthew 10:37 that "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me." Remember, in order to get closer to God, we must get closer to our Christian family.
Look again at Philippians 4:2 "I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord." The word implore is a strong word. I also like that he said the same thing to both women - didn't show partiality to either. Paul was begging these women to be of the same mind - to be glued to one another in the Lord.
Has your glue to your fellow Christians become unstuck? Make the effort today to be stuck like glue. When we are, our journey to heaven will become a little easier.
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