Are We Meant to Be Like-Minded in Everything?

The words of the apostle Paul show that we are to strive for unanimity. Thanks to this, there will be no divisions, arguments and different opinions on a given Biblical topic:

“Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Yeshu Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, that there be no divisions among you, and that you be united with the same understanding and the same conviction.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10.

Christ coming to earth led the apostles to unanimity. He taught them the basics of faith, then the apostles passed them on to others. As long as the apostles worked, they watched over one opinion, one view on a given Biblical topic:

“Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not to please ourselves. Each one of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please Himself. On the contrary, as it is written, The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures. Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Yeshu, so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Yeshu Christ with one mind and one voice. Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God.” – Romans 15:1-7.

Notice the word “all” in the following verse:

“Finally, all of you be like-minded (3675) and sympathetic, love one another, and be compassionate and humble, not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you may inherit a blessing.” – 1 Peter 3:8.

This is a very strong call to the servants of the Lord Yeshu. We must all be of one mind.
It is very difficult to get to this state. It requires hard work, searching the Scriptures, and talking together.
When the community is a large group, the discussion is more difficult. In such a situation, people who have a talent for searching the Scriptures and communicating these discoveries to others play an important role. First they must be of one mind, then they must pass on this knowledge at Biblical meetings, in articles, or even videos.

Unanimous in the whole assembly
 To strive for unanimity in the assembly, we need meetings and people who care about one opinion. People who belong to the congregation should also take part in this work of unity.
 Christ is the model of unanimity. It was He who made sure that true knowledge was available to every person on earth. Therefore, no one should ignore such an example.
 When do we disregard this?

When we don’t care about biblical knowledge. We don’t read articles, we don’t watch lectures, we don’t go to meetings.
We come into the meeting every now and then and disagree with the Biblical opinions being presented.
Why?

Because we have a lot of negligence, less knowledge, and limited research on a given topic.
A common problem of such people is not understanding the principle that many biblical topics have two or three or more ways of being presented. This person has only discovered one possibility and wants to impose it on other people. He does not know that apart from this one opinion, the Bible allows for others.
Who destroys unanimity?
In the time of the apostles, there were people who disagreed with their opinions. Some of the Judeans believed, some did not:

“But the unbelieving Judeans stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.” – Acts 14:2

“But the people of the city were divided, some siding with the Judeans and others with the apostles.” – Acts 14:4

“…I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility, with tears, and during the trials that came to me through the plots of the Judeans.” – Acts 20:18-19

Are we to be unanimous on all topics?
 When it comes to biblical topics that are considered the foundations of faith, we are to strive for unanimity and the same opinion.
 However, on topics related to conscience, the Bible does not require unanimity:

“Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything builds up. No one is to seek his own good, but the good of the other person. Eat everything that is sold in the meat market, without raising questions for the sake of conscience, since the earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it. If any of the unbelievers invites you over and you want to go, eat everything that is set before you, without raising questions for the sake of conscience. But if someone says to you, “This is food from a sacrifice,” do not eat it, out of consideration for the one who told you, and for the sake of conscience. I do not mean your own conscience, but the other person’s. For why is my freedom judged by another person’s conscience? If I partake with thanksgiving, why am I criticized because of something for which I give thanks? So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Give no offense to Judeans or Greeks or the church of God, just as I also try to please everyone in everything, not seeking my own benefit, but the benefit of many, so that they may be saved.” – 1 Corinthians 10:23-33.

„Welcome anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about disputed matters. One person believes he may eat anything, while one who is weak eats only vegetables. One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat, and one who does not eat must not judge one who does, because God has accepted him. Who are you to judge another’s household servant? Before his own Lord he stands or falls. And he will stand, because the Lord is able to make him stand. One person judges one day to be more important than another day. Someone else judges every day to be the same. Let each one be fully convinced in his own mind. Whoever observes the day, observes it for the honor of the Lord. Whoever eats, eats for the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; and whoever does not eat, it is for the Lord that he does not eat it, and he gives thanks to God. For none of us lives for himself, and no one dies for himself. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and returned to life for this: that He might be Lord over both the dead and the living. But you, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.” – Romans 14:1-10.

„So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another. Do not tear down God’s work because of food. Everything is clean, but it is wrong to make someone fall by what he eats. It is a good thing not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble. Whatever you believe about these things, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But whoever doubts stands condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith, and everything that is not from faith is sin.” – Romans 14:19-23.

Author: Robert Brzoza

Translation: Hubert B.