Philippians 4:1–3
There is a bitter but true reality in church history and in the field of ministry: however great spiritual leaders or servants may be, they are not free from human weakness. Sometimes a deep crack or division appears even between people who have worked together in the gospel for many years. We usually think that people who are in a large ministry, or who have led many souls to Christ, do not quarrel. But the Bible itself shows us examples to the contrary. In Philippians 4:2 Paul speaks of Euodia and Syntyche, who had worked shoulder to shoulder with him in the “field” of the gospel. But such a “crack” came between them that Paul had to write their names in his letter and plead with them to be reconciled. Behind such a crack there may well be pride, a difference of viewpoint, or sometimes only small misunderstandings. Among leaders who serve in big ways, the feeling that “what I did was right,” or the desire to keep one’s own influence, can also widen the distance.
Human reasoning, discussion or institutional rules may bring an outward peace, but they cannot fill a crack in the heart. For that, the love of Christ is essential. The love of Christ reminds us of our own sinful condition and of God’s forgiveness. Only when a servant feels how much he has been forgiven by Christ can he forgive his fellow worker from the heart. Christ laid aside the glory of heaven and took the form of a servant. The crack between great servants is filled only when both sides lay their pride at the foot of the cross of Christ. In today’s passage Paul lovingly urges all the believers to “stand firm thus in the Lord.”
It is natural for small differences to arise in the church, but they must not be allowed to grow. Our enemy Satan wants to break our unity and to stop the work of the gospel. If there is no love and unity among us, the power of the gospel is weakened. Paul says of those fellow workers, “whose names are in the book of life.” If we are all going to be in heaven together forever, why quarrel with one another here? Is there ill feeling between you and someone in your church or your family? Take the first step towards reconciliation today. To be of one mind in the Lord is our great strength. We must stand together so that the work of the gospel may go forward more effectively.
Prayer: Lord, make us one in Your love. Remove every bitterness in our church, and teach us to live in reconciliation. Amen.