Wouldn’t it be great if all Christians believed the same?  We wouldn’t have all kinds of quarrels over differences of opinion and doctrine.  Unfortunately, we don’t agree.  In fact, I’d say it’s near impossible to find even one person who believes all the exact same things you believe.  So, how should we live in this world of differences?  We are called to unity, but we are so diverse.  How can we make sense of it all?

Paul has shed some light on this problem in his letter to the Philippians.  He reveals bit by bit in each chapter as he repeatedly uses a key word—phroneo.  It is an interesting and difficult word that is used 11 times in Philippians.  It is tricky because it doesn’t translate into English very well.  It is a verb, but many times it’s translated as a noun.  A rough idea of phroneo would be thinking that includes emotion which expresses itself in action.  A few times the NASB translates phroneo as “attitude.”  Attitudes are certain beliefs that have emotional components, which are reflected in behavior.  I think this is a rather creative solution, even though it’s a noun and we lose the action of a verb.

Paul redundantly tells the Philippians in 2:2 to phroneo the same, one phroneo.  In verse 5, he reveals that the phroneo should be the one that Jesus also had.  These verses are often translated using the idea of having the same mind.  I’ve come to realize that this isn’t about comparing mental beliefs one by one.  This is about the attitude of the heart.  We are supposed to be of the same mind or attitude (phroneo) in that we should all seek the truth in humility, attentively listening to God’s voice.

Paul begins Chapter 3 with his desire to know Christ, which is only achieved through faith.  He says he doesn’t have it all figured it out.  He hasn’t “arrived” as to reach the goal.  No, he holds an attitude of humility and continues to listen to God’s instruction.  Paul concludes these thoughts in verse 15, saying, “Therefore, all who are mature, let’s have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that to you as well.”

I love it!  Paul recognizes differences in maturity and experience.  Instead of reprimanding the immature, he recognizes that God will lead them!  Paul states his case and then leaves result in God’s hands.  It is ultimately God’s work to refine and mature His people, not yours or mine.  Yes, we can take a part in the journey and come beside in an attitude of humility while listening to the Lord’s leading.  But to grasp for or force one’s personal desire for equality in belief is not the attitude of Christ (2:6).  Forceful arguments bent on conquest do not result in heart-change, but in fear and hardened hearts.

Paul continues in verse 16, stressing that regardless of how much we have learned, it is key that we put into practice what we do understand.  This reminds me of a story a pastor once told me.  He was helping a group of church elders as they navigated some problems.  During a time of coaching, one of the elders said to him, “Pastor, we’re a lot smarter than we act.”  The elder basically told him to save his breath.  They already knew all that.  They just didn’t want to do it.  This is exactly the opposite of what Paul was saying!

As we go forward, let us be people that seek truth in humility and attentively listen to God’s prompting.  Let’s have those good conversations and explain why we believe what we believe.  Let’s be silent and listen.  Don’t think that you have all the answers and that you’re 100% right, because you’re not.  I’m not!  Each of us has more to learn.  I heard a wise teacher and respected Bible translator* once say, “Write your theology in pencil.”  As we mature, our understanding of God will mature.  Keep seeking and listening with a humble heart.

Scripture reading for this week (phroneo verses in parenthesis):
Philippians 1 (7 – to feel)
Philippians 2 (2 twice, 5)
Philippians 3 (15, 16, 19)
Philippians 4 (2, 10 twice – to be concerned)

*Marvin R. Wilson