Be in One Accord

In light of the recent events in our country over the past several months, I thought it might be appropriate for us to be reminded of this Scripture in Philippians 2, where Paul talks to the church of Philippi about being in one accord. What does it mean to be in one accord?

Some of the phrases that might be the same as being in one accord are:

• Being in unison
• Being in harmony
• Being of one mind
• Being like-minded
• Having a singleness of mind and purpose
• Being joined together
• Having a singleness of heart
• Being one in spirit and mind
• Sharing the same feelings
• Focusing on the same goal
• United in spirit
• Intent on one purpose

In this Scripture Paul explains to the people how important it is for them to be united as one body in Christ. He reminds them of the humility that Jesus had to take on the body of a man and be crucified on the cross and encourages them to let that same mindset be in them.

He tells them to do all things without grumbling and arguing so that we might be lights in the midst of this crooked and perverse world. If we don’t shine our lights in the darkness, who will?

Over the past several months the enemy has done everything he can to try to destroy the body of Christ by trying to divide and conquer us.

He has tried to ruin our testimony by having us bicker and argue over the events that have been taking place. The enemy will use anything he can to get our minds and focus off of what we should be doing and cause division among us.

Personally, I don’t get involved too much in politics and I don’t like discussing it, especially in a public forum, because I know it is a touchy subject for a lot of people. I don’t try to force my opinion about politics on other people. I feel that this is a personal decision that everybody has to make for themselves.

We all have our own opinions about things and everybody is entitled to their opinion. Why can’t we agree to disagree without being rude and hateful to one another?

I have seen people on social media saying things like, “You’re a ________ if you vote for _________.” You can fill in the blanks with anything you can imagine. This is a form of intimidation. It reminds me of the way kids bully one another in school, just because they are different than them.

The whole point of living in a democratic country is that we have a free will, the right to choose. Each person has the right to vote for who they wish. We should not have to feel intimidated by other people to choose who they think is the right candidate. Even God, when He created man, gave us a free will, the right to choose.

The people on the news are bad about doing things like this, as well. I only read and listen to enough of the news to find out what I need to know because they repeat the same things over and over again. It seems like they try to cause division too.

There is rarely any good news shared by anybody anymore. If I have questions about politics or need to discuss something like that I talk it over with my husband or daughters in private. I know that even if we disagree they won’t stop loving me because we have a different opinion. The best thing we can do, as believers, is pray and ask God to show us the right thing to do.

Jesus warned us in John 10:10, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

Do we want to live as believers letting the enemy rob us of our joy, peace, and unity with one another, or do we want to live the abundant life that Jesus died to give us? Let’s strive to live in one accord with one another.

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 2:1-16

1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

 

Things to think about:

• How does this Scripture say that we as believers should treat one another?
• How should we act?

• After reading this Scripture, is there anything you need to repent of?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this Scripture in Philippians where Paul reminds us to live in one accord with one another. Help us to do so. Forgive us of the times that we have not been in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Help us not to let the events of this world keep us from doing the things we need to do for You. Help us not to let the current events cause division among us as believers. Forgive us, LORD and help us to be what You would have us to be. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Have you read: The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

 

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Featured Book:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Philippians by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Philippians is from the New Testament of the Bible and is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters. In the book of Philippians Paul encourages the saints at Philippi to be strong in their faith, to stand fast in the Lord, and to be content in Christ.

Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.

Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.

Paul wanted the best for the Philippians. He wanted to make sure they never let anybody steer them in the wrong direction. He wanted them to stay on course and do the things he had taught them whether he was with them or not.

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi contains ten Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day to go along with the lesson. This is a great Bible study for individual daily devotions or for a group Bible study.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B00INHXUWM

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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