“I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
…
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.”
— Philippians 4:2-3, 8-9
I must admit that I, too, was distracted by the fly at the Vice Presidential debate. It wasn’t just the fly: as soon as it showed up, friends began texting, “Is that what I think it is?” But I was pulled back in at the end with the question from Brecklynn Brown, the 8th grader at Springville Junior High in Utah, who asked,
“When I watch the news, all I see is arguing between Democrats and Republicans. When I watch the news, all I see is citizen fighting against citizen. When I watch the news, all I see are two candidates from opposing parties trying to tear each other down. If our leaders can’t get along, how are the citizens supposed to get along?”
It struck me because we had just been looking at this very question in our Lectionary Lunch group earlier in the day! It appears that in the young church at Philippi, two of the leaders have been engaged in an ongoing dispute. Paul is wanting for the church to be united, but how can there be unity when there is such fighting? How can the people be expected to get along when the leaders can’t?
Many of us have commented on the polarization of the American people. It isn’t just about politics, but then everything has been politicized! We see the arguing of leaders, of pundits, of family members, on TV and online, and it is easy to give up and feel that this is the way we all should behave.
Paul’s advice is that they be “of one mind.” This doesn’t mean that they agree on everything. Instead, it means that the leaders must remember their common history and reaffirm the basic truths and goals upon which they agree. Then they can recognize that where they differ is on means, not ends.
And Paul goes further. Then, as now, it isn’t just that there is dissension and dis-ease between people, there is angst and frustration, confusion and distraction within each person. THIS IS A CRISIS OF OUR DAY, AND THE APOSTLE PAUL IS WRITING TO YOU! Paul invites all of us to take time to remember the good. Focus on that which builds up and assures. Do what you know to be right. And then you will have peace.
This is one of the reasons that it is so important to vote. When you vote you are not only making your voice heard, but you are reaffirming our common goals. When you vote you lift up our common aspiration to make these cities, counties, states and the nation the best that they can be to serve our fellow residents and citizens.
And this is why your prayer life is so important right now. Remember that God is the source of love. Open yourself to that love as you reflect on the goodness of God and our common humanity. Then you can pray for those with whom you disagree. And you will be blessed.
Almighty God, we thank you that you have made each of us to be unique. We thank you that you have given us imaginations with which to solve the challenges which lie before us. We recognize that you call us to lead. Help us to disagree honestly. Help us to remember our common heritage as human beings. Help us always to think on your goodness and to put first those considered the least, the lost, and the last. Move in us, that we, in our diversity of thought, might at the same time be of one mind: the mind of Christ Jesus. It is in this name that we pray. Amen.
Questions for Sunday’s worship and message:
1. When has someone given you an apology when you needed a confession?
2. When have you substituted words for deeds?
3. How can you remember and honor God’s welcome?