Listen to this week’s message Joy in the Journey – Week 3 (Watch Here)
“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” – Philippians 2:2 (NIV)
We live in a culture that encourages us to chase individual dreams, assert our opinions, and “look out for number one.” Our sinful nature naturally desires to stand out, be unique, and seek personal success. This is fed by popular opinion and culture. But does it leave us full of joy or seeking more?
Do you find joy when you are at odds with people? When disunity abounds? Sure, people are different and can disagree, but you can sense when underneath the surface there is a divide that is toxic. It happens in homes. It happens in the work place. It happens in churches.
When it does, it engenders division and anything but joy.
This happens when we unify with our ego. Our ego wants to be seen. It thrives on being right. It demands control and resists correction. Ego whispers, “You don’t need them,” and “They just don’t get it.” Left unchecked, ego builds walls, not bridges. It isolates us from the very relationships that were designed to shape and support us.
Even in churches, families, and marriages, ego can creep in. It causes division over preferences. It fuels arguments where listening would suffice. It places my way above God’s way and our way.
Paul knew this all too well. He had once been a rising star in Jewish leadership, proud of his pedigree and performance. But after encountering Christ, he counted all that self-glory as loss (Phil. 3:7–8). Why? Because self-focus leads to separation, while Christ-focus leads to unity.
In Philippians 2:2, Paul invites us into a radically different mindset, one that sets aside self for the sake of unity. He outlines what true unity looks like:
- Like-minded: not clones, but aligned in purpose.
- Same love: rooted in Christ, not preference or personality.
- One spirit and one mind: walking together in humility and shared mission.
This kind of unity doesn’t erase individuality — it elevates collective purpose over personal pride. When believers lay down ego and take up empathy, the church becomes a powerful witness to the world. It is the Spirit of God moving a diverse group of people toward Jesus.
Unity doesn’t come naturally. It comes supernaturally as a gift of God’s Spirit. It begins when we say, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” and extend that same grace to others. Here’s how it might look:
- Instead of insisting on your opinion, ask how others see it.
- Instead of focusing on how you’re not being served, ask who you can serve.
- Instead of holding grudges, pursue peace.
Paul’s joy would be complete, and so would ours, when we live not for self-promotion, but for Spirit-led unity.
Apply: Fathers, husbands, and leaders, this verse is a call to lead by example. Your kids, your spouse, and your team are watching how you handle disagreement. Are you fighting to win, or fighting for unity? A secure father builds unity by modeling humility, love, and shared purpose, even when it is hard and costly.
Prayer: Lord, help me let go of my ego and embrace the beauty of unity. Teach me to love like You, to think beyond myself, and to walk in step with others. Make me one in spirit and purpose with those around me, so Your joy may be complete in us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.