Harmony Not Conflict
Over the last 5 years memorizing scripture has become part of my daily routine to stay close to God and His Word. It's amazing but there are people who have memorized the entire Bible. To be clear, I'm not one of those people. This week in reviewing Romans 12:16, in my Bible Memory app, I started thinking about the words from this verse, “Be of the same mind towards one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”
Looking at the first sentence of vs 16. My Bible version uses “same mind” towards one another. Other versions use “harmony”. Both express the personal thoughtfulness of thinking about others and striving for harmony, and unity towards others. This is the way God desires for us to think about everyone we meet and encounter in life. Recall the Words of Jesus, “love your neighbor as yourself”, “love one another.” In contrast, we tend to be of the “same mind” with people that like the same things we do. Look like we do. Talk and act like we do. Grew up in the same neighborhood. Went to the same school. Have the same political affiliation. I’m sure there are many others. Regardless, there is little depth and breadth to this point of view but unfortunately it dominates in the world today and in the past.
The next sentence, "Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble.” This is being high and mighty, prideful, or arrogant. Pride destroys harmony. Pride creates conflict and discord within our community, country, and world. Pride certainly isn’t humble. Pride is a major problem in our world. It creates divisions between us. The devil, our adversary, loves this. He walks around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. The evil one strives to create divisions, disunity and strife between us here on earth. The world celebrates the pride we have and the differences it creates. Things like being the best, the top of the class, the strongest, the best looking, and the GOAT in whatever we do. Some of this mindset is a good thing, but it creates conflict and division. When we go over the top, are consumed with winning, or being the best, we lose sight of its impact on others. If we are honest, we are all guilty of this. Be humble. Make yourself available to humbling situations. Don’t be arrogant or haughty. Be interested in learning more about everyone we meet. And treat them with respect, dignity and love.
The last sentence of vs 16, “Do not be wise in your own opinion.” Ouch! I know I’m guilty of this. Thinking I actually have all the answers. We are all searching to gain wisdom but with much wisdom comes much grief. Humbly, seek to understand first and then to be understood second or once you have thoughtfully considered the impact to others.
Our objective that is described by Paul is not to create conflict. Unfortunately, our pride and the ways of the world cause us to become puffed up, full of self, and arrogant. The result is conflict between people, societies, nations, and political parties. This goes entirely against what Paul was teaching the Romans and in his other epistles. And certainly goes against the Gospels and the teachings of the Son of God. Luke 6:27-28. This is Jesus speaking. “27 But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
The words in this scripture are words we need to meditate on and pray about. The blessing is we have the ability to change the way people think about us by the way we live out these words in our daily walk. The challenging expectation is for us to change our heart and the way we think. For us to follow the Lord’s example. The Son’s example. Do what’s best for everyone regardless of who they may be. Point people to Christ. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. And love one another.
Grace, mercy and peace.
Pat Price