Kindred Spirits
“For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” Philippians 2.20, 21
Over the years I’ve enjoyed studying God’s Word as well as the words of Scripture. Since God has expressed the fact that neither a jot nor a tittle (Matthew 5.18) shall pass from the Law until the whole shall be fulfilled, it seems incumbent upon us to spend some time understanding the words.
In Philippians 2.20, Paul uses two Greek words that are uniquely used here and nowhere else in the New Testament. “Likeminded” translates the Greek word “isopsuchos,” which is a compound word meaning “to be equal in breath (spirit).” Those who are likeminded are those whose lives, aspirations and attitudes are so alike they can scarcely be separated on any level.
My wife and I recently celebrated out 49th wedding anniversary. I remember when we were first married that, even though we had a wonderful marriage, we often disagreed on various subjects. Whenever we did, we would go back to the basics: What is our purpose in marriage? We would remind ourselves that our purpose was to bring glory to our Savior. We had chosen for “our” Bible verse Psalm 34.3, which says, “O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” Even when we were trying to decide where or what to eat, we could put aside argumentation and attitude and have come to realize that where or what isn’t quite as important as the fact that we are together enjoying each other’s company.
As the years have passed, we have become more kindred in spirit. It’s not uncommon now for us to be riding down the road together and I’ll suggest a place to grab a bite only to have Nancy say, “How’d you know I was thinking about that?” While Paul’s consideration with the Philippian Church and Timotheus may have carried a bit more of a spiritual connotation, the idea Paul was offering was that Timotheus was of the same mind and spirit as the members of the Philippian church.
Another unique word that Paul uses is the word “naturally,” which translates the Greek word “gnēsiōs.” This word does not express a condition as in the natural man, but rather something that issues from hearts that are closely knit together. This word means something that is sincere and genuine. These are people who do not need to work at keeping a relationship together, but ones who have such similar spirits that they think alike.
Have you ever considered how many arguments and disagreements would never occur in churches or families if each involved believer was truly, sincerely and genuinely seeking to be likeminded – to be a true kindred spirit with fellow believers – to be a true kindred spirit with our Savior-God?
It is not necessary to agree on the color of the new sanctuary carpet; however, it is essential that we agree on our desire to please the One who died to save us. Furthermore, as you fellowship more with God, you will begin to care more for what is important and your capacity to love your brothers and sisters will grow. You will become naturally likeminded with God and your spiritual family.
In Philippians 2.20, Paul uses two Greek words that are uniquely used here and nowhere else in the New Testament. “Likeminded” translates the Greek word “isopsuchos,” which is a compound word meaning “to be equal in breath (spirit).” Those who are likeminded are those whose lives, aspirations and attitudes are so alike they can scarcely be separated on any level.
My wife and I recently celebrated out 49th wedding anniversary. I remember when we were first married that, even though we had a wonderful marriage, we often disagreed on various subjects. Whenever we did, we would go back to the basics: What is our purpose in marriage? We would remind ourselves that our purpose was to bring glory to our Savior. We had chosen for “our” Bible verse Psalm 34.3, which says, “O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” Even when we were trying to decide where or what to eat, we could put aside argumentation and attitude and have come to realize that where or what isn’t quite as important as the fact that we are together enjoying each other’s company.
As the years have passed, we have become more kindred in spirit. It’s not uncommon now for us to be riding down the road together and I’ll suggest a place to grab a bite only to have Nancy say, “How’d you know I was thinking about that?” While Paul’s consideration with the Philippian Church and Timotheus may have carried a bit more of a spiritual connotation, the idea Paul was offering was that Timotheus was of the same mind and spirit as the members of the Philippian church.
Another unique word that Paul uses is the word “naturally,” which translates the Greek word “gnēsiōs.” This word does not express a condition as in the natural man, but rather something that issues from hearts that are closely knit together. This word means something that is sincere and genuine. These are people who do not need to work at keeping a relationship together, but ones who have such similar spirits that they think alike.
Have you ever considered how many arguments and disagreements would never occur in churches or families if each involved believer was truly, sincerely and genuinely seeking to be likeminded – to be a true kindred spirit with fellow believers – to be a true kindred spirit with our Savior-God?
It is not necessary to agree on the color of the new sanctuary carpet; however, it is essential that we agree on our desire to please the One who died to save us. Furthermore, as you fellowship more with God, you will begin to care more for what is important and your capacity to love your brothers and sisters will grow. You will become naturally likeminded with God and your spiritual family.
Copyright © 2024 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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