LET US WALK BY THE SAME RULE

Philippians 3:15-16 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

In the lesson text, Paul is admonishing his fellow Christians at Philippi, to have the same desire as he does in contending for the hope of salvation in Jesus. This goal, eternal life in heaven, that Paul says I press toward, refers to the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Vs. 14). In this, Paul wants as many as be perfect,to strive to attain. Not that perfection had already been attained, but that the desire to attain perfect-ness should dwell within them. His prayer that they be thus minded,not only included the church at Philippi, but also Christians throughout all ages. This should be the common thread that binds all members of the body of Christ together; that unites all children of God in singleness of purpose, and under the banner of one church of Christ. To be otherwise minded, is to have an imperfect view of God's will. Paul prays that this error would be corrected, that they would be open minded, continue to seek His guidance, and, he assured them that God shall reveal even this unto you.

Reminding them that, as children of God, they had already attained the future hope of salvation, but, as noted in preceding verses, their race was not over. The prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus had not yet been attained, and there was much work yet to be done. Paul, then, gives this instruction to all Christians. As we travel along the pathway of life, seeking to do God's will, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. To walk together, is to walk in unity. In military service, marching in step,is the first lesson learned, which allows the achievement of unity within your troop, unit, or flight.

There may be some that find walking in step and in unity hard to accomplish. Some may contend that it is difficult, or even impossible, because all members of the body of Christ do not possess the same talents and abilities. Some may think that, because some Christians have more bible knowledge, higher education, or more experience than others, makes walking together very difficult. It is true, some members of the church certainly have greater or lesser opportunities. These personal facts are often taken as personal "reasons" that walking in step with others of like faith, is extremely difficult.

However, as a past member of military service, I can assure you that all servicemen and servicewomen are not equal in talents, abilities, knowledge, education, experience, or opportunities. All were unique and possessed individual capabilities. However the duties and responsibilities in military service also vary. It is a good commander that can identify these different, but necessary, duties, recognize the unique abilities of each man and woman under their authority, and match the duty with the ability. With each effectively discharging their assigned responsibility, and carrying out their individual duty, the military effort will be accomplished, and victory will be assured. Each service person will be marching in unison to the same drumbeat - each will be walking by the same rule to achieve the common goal.

Such it is with members of the church of Christ. With able, competent, godly elders as "commanders" of each spiritual military unit, every member of the local church of Christ can, and should, use their various talents and abilities to their fullest extent, to accomplish the different tasks necessary, in order to attain the common goal of salvation in heaven. Singleness of purpose can be attained in the body of Christ only when the multiple talents and abilities of its membership effectively discharge their numerous, and necessary, duties and responsibilities. Although there may be many "differences" that exist between members of the church, it is this common goal, the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, that brings the harmony necessary to attain the spiritual prize of eternal life.

All differences that may exist between brethren in the body of Christ are due to the misunderstanding, or the lack of knowledge, of God's will. Through diligent study of the Bible, and through sincere and fervent prayer, all differences of ability and opinion can be resolved. Our lesson text gives us this assurance. Where there is a willingness to know His holy word, God shall reveal even this unto you. Disunity within the church does, and will continue to, nullify the effectiveness its soul-saving duty. Only in harmony can the work of the church be achieved, souls be saved, and God be glorified. As the mind of Christ was in Paul, so it must be in us. Let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.