One: As on the same page/One Spirit, One Mind

 One Spirit, One Mind:

It is the assertion of this author that the mind is the spirit. It is the spirit that possesses the flesh to create and maintain a symbiotic relationship. It is a relationship in which both parties maintain the other. Imagine the relationship between a car and its driver. I present an extended example. We all know that a driver is responsible for maintaining his vehicle. He must make sure that all parts work in harmony. In my example, the car is also responsible for maintaining the driver, in the certainty that what works for the driver works for the car. What builds the driver builds the car. Such a relationship is found between Christ and the body of Christ. The body is Christ and Christ maintains the body, but also, the body maintains Christ. Scripture will tell us to 'magnify' the Lord. That is an important responsibility. It is like the exercise of a muscle; without exercise, the muscle is lost.

Have you ever wondered about the use of sheep in parables? On the whole, sheep stick together as a flock. In other words, they practice and maintain their 'flock-ness.' That body of sheep is a conversation that all the members understand and respond to. Philippians 1:27 “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit.”

There is a real connection between a body and the spirit that possesses it. In its maintenance of the body, the spirit may decide that the body needs hydration. It is the spirit that deems it necessary, but it is the body that reaches for the glass of water. Both parties work together. In a sense, each party serves the other. In a group, an individual spirit may decide that another group member is worthy of encouragement, but it is the mouth of that individual that speaks. Romans 15:6 “That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

That which is held in common within a group is the spirit. I have said that the spirit within an individual is the mind. The combined (similar) minds within a group are the spirit of the group, the mind of the group. In a group of Christians, when one mind communicates the issue of 'faith' to another mind, there is a resonance between the two. They are on the same page and share a full understanding. The minds are in synch and are possessed of a singular belief. Think of a line of light bulbs connected in series. According to the series circuit analogy, the flowing current is the same in all the bulbs. I take that information from https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2012/11/series-wiring-lighting-circuits.html Interestingly, the circuit line is also known as 'live.' When minds are so linked, the same energy lights all of them. What affects one mind, good or bad, affects the others. 1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.”

To be like-minded is not simply to agree. I can agree with your right under the law to have the opinions you have, but not share them. In fact, I may be fully opposed. To be like-minded is to be fully possessed and fully synchronized. Quite simply, a group is a group for that very fact. The members of a body do not oppose one another. A house divided cannot stand. The members of a group are fully committed to each other. They fully understand one another. A member will support, and even fight for, the other members of the group. That is because the spirit of the group is equal to each member. The mind is the same. Romans 12:16 “Be of the same mind one toward another.”

In the sport of bodybuilding, one must apply oneself regularly with determination and patience. Through long hours and much personal effort, one sees the desired result. In other words, to those who have, more will be given. To be of the same mind requires work. Like-mindedness is achieved through patient application. That is to say, it will never happen unless you make it happen. Take a good hard look at the body whole. It is not a flower that blooms by chance. A loving family is achieved through patient direction and discipline. A body dedicated to mutual support and love is a body directed by the combined mind of love and support. It takes real work. It takes patience, discipline, and yes, quite a lot of self-discipline. All of the attributes listed above are derived through the spirit: the spirit of patience, the spirit of discipline, the spirit of unity. Romans 15:5 “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus.”

One mind. One spirit. It is a goal that billions of souls have strived to achieve. It is not the gold medal, but it is the finish line. Mankind, as a historical whole, has never ceased reaching for unity. We have never ceased climbing the mountain to reach the zenith. Every body whole has its own plan for unity and singularity. It has often been mismanaged, politicized, and spoiled through conflict, but the higher aspirations of love, and integrity; honor, and righteousness are inviolable. Men and societies continue to reach for them. In the highest and most viable sense, they are perfection. There is a spirit of perfection that draws the body whole into its fullest expression. There is a spirit of peace that brings the seed into the light. There is a spirit of love that rains life upon the aspiring garden. 2 Corinthians 13:11 “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.”