LIKEMINDEDNESS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
Likemindedness in the New Testament is not sameness of personality, nor uniformity of opinion on every matter; it is something deeper, holier, and far more demanding. It is a shared mind shaped by Christ—a unity born not of politics or preference, but of surrender to the Lordship of Jesus.
When the Apostle Paul writes, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5), he is not asking believers to copy external behavior alone; he is calling them into the inner disposition of the Savior. In Philippians 2:6-8 he shows us that though Christ existed in the form of God, He did not cling to His rights but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant and humbling Himself to the point of death—even the death of the cross. Likemindedness, then, begins in humility. It is the death of pride; it is the crucifixion of self-importance; it is choosing the towel and basin when the flesh demands the throne.
In Romans 15:5-6 Paul prays that the God of patience and comfort would grant believers to be of the same mind toward one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord and one mouth they may glorify God. Notice this carefully: the purpose of likemindedness is worship. Unity is not an end in itself. It is so the church may speak with one voice about the glory of God. Division fractures testimony; harmony magnifies praise.
Likemindedness also involves shared affection. In Philippians 2:2 Paul urges the saints to be of one mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. This is not mechanical agreement but relational unity. The early believers were described as continuing with one accord (Acts 2:46), not because they agreed on every matter, but because their hearts had been captured by the same Christ, redeemed by the same blood, indwelt by the same Spirit. The cross levels us; the resurrection lifts us together.
This does not mean the New Testament envisions intellectual laziness or blind conformity. Paul could confront Peter when the truth of the gospel was at stake (Galatians 2:11-14). Likemindedness is unity in the truth of the gospel. In Ephesians 4:1-3 believers are urged to walk worthy of their calling, with lowliness and gentleness, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Unity already exists in the Spirit; we are called to guard it through humility and patience.
At its heart, likemindedness means we value the mind of Christ above our own. It means we submit our preferences, our offenses, our ambitions, and even our rights to the greater good of Christ’s body. It means we refuse selective outrage and partisan spirit, and instead ask, “What most reflects the character of Jesus?” It is consistency—the same humility in private as in public, the same grace toward friend and critic alike.
For the New Testament believer, likemindedness is cruciform. It is shaped like a cross. It bows low; it serves quietly; it forgives freely; it speaks truth lovingly; and it seeks the glory of God above all.
When the church becomes truly likeminded—not around a personality, not around a movement, but around Christ Himself—the world sees something it cannot manufacture: a community whose unity flows from redemption. And in that unity, the Father is glorified.
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Lord Jesus, form Your mind within us. Strip away pride, soften our sharp edges, and make us one in truth and love. Let our unity magnify Your name and reflect the beauty of Your cross. Amen.
BDD
