Being of the same mind

Philippians 2: 1-5 "So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus."

Romans 15:5-6 "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

July 13th, 2013 my friend/college roommate/teammate was joined in marriage. Marriage a pretty stellar thing that God created. I doubt that while on earth I will ever fully understand the mystery of this covenant between God and two people. Over the past two years plus God continues to refine Tyler and I in this process of being fully united, being of the same mind. We were once two people with two sets of passions, two lists of priorities, two personalities, etc. But God wants us to be one?! God has given me comfort in knowing this is all a process. His grace is sufficient. 

Anna and I once played basketball daily together. We focused on the same goal and we fought to be working for the better of our team. We joined our hands in huddles as a symbol of our unity on the basketball floor to ultimately bring glory to God in our victory. On our best nights, everything seemed to flow on the court. We moved as if we were of the same mind. 

The beauty of Christ is never full when we try to do it on our own. The beauty of Christ is the church, the body. We lift our hands to Him in praise and surrender. We lay our hands on one another in prayer. We serve with our hands and they are cleansed by Christ whose hands were pierced for our sins.

Heavenly Father, 
We pray that your Spirit would revive a deep unity in the body of Christ. Unite us as one mind and voice to glorify You. Unite our marriages. Let the truth of Your gospel humble us to consider others greater than ourselves. Give us grace when we are selfish and when we serve for our own recognition or to win the approval of men. Purify us daily that Your name be made great. We love you Lord and praise You for the work that You have done and are doing. 
Amen