"I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord." (Philippians 4:2 NKJV)
We were deep in our discussion on accountability last night when our wisest contributor brought this verse to our attention. We took a detour to consider the implications of Paul including this instruction in the opening comments of his letter to the Philippians. Whatever had happened between Euodia and Syntyche was infecting the body of their faith community.
This admonition hits harder when we recall what comes next. Paul asked the brethren to help these women find a way to work it out and then he continued into very familiar passages of scripture.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be know to all men. The Lord is at hand. " (Philippians 4:4-5 NKJV)
With his wise cadence, Paul reminds us not to get hung up on petty disagreements. He urges us to choose joy instead. To be considerate. To be reasonable. To remain gentle. And above all, to keep the Lord’s return in right perspective. We cannot afford to waste what little time we have left being petty!
It is in the light of the discord between Euodia and Syntyche that Paul implores us to pray about everything and worry about nothing. This is not our nature. We tend to gather evidence and build cases, don’t we? Yet Paul is saying to put it on your prayer list and get on your knees. (Everything feels less significant from our knees: it’s a humbling posture!)
Paul understood how these disagreements with other believers can puff us up and distort our view. But most of all, they distract us from mission. These diversions are part of the enemy’s plan. He will do all he can to sow conflict and ensnare hearts. So Paul tells us to fight back by refocusing: fix our thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable. Think on the things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
It is remarkable: some of the most amazing scriptures on joy, worry, prayer and introspection were written as a response to two godly women locked in conflict.
I am reminded this morning; God can redeem our disagreements when we are willing to cooperate with His Word and His Spirit. He is able heal the hurt and grow something Kingdom from our quarrels. Look at Paul and Barnabas. They dealt with their division rightly and it resulted in multiplication. The gospel spread farther rather than snuffing out altogether. But it required both parties being willing to grow through their dispute and seeking God amidst it.
Every conflict involves at least two parties and ultimately, you can only be responsible for you. Paul understood the importance of doing your part in addressing agreements. We see this in Romans when he writes:
"If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men." (Romans 12:18 NKJV)
Paul acknowledges that there are factors outside of our influence within these conflicts. Ministry is messy and people are easily hurt. Not everyone is equipped to overcome the pain and pursue right relationship. But as much as it is up to us, we need to give our very best effort.
Lord, we confess our relational frustration. Forgive us for our contributions to the devastation. Show us how to be of one mind again, focused on Kingdom things. May we choose joy and gentleness, sure of the shortness of the hour. Fix our thoughts on what is true, honorable, lovely and right. Help us trade out worry for prayer. As much as it depends on us, let us learn to live peaceably. Amen.