“Getting Along” means unity, harmony, agreement, understanding, sharing, and having a “common mindset.” It is most important to get along with others. When the opposite is true, the human element raises it ugly head, and causes strife, setbacks, confusion, disharmony, and misunderstanding. The same is absolutely true in the Christian community.
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Christian’s pattern for getting along with others, generally and especially those of the “household of faith.” In his letter to the Church at Philippi, the apostle Paul writes: “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 selfish ambition 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” (Philippians 2:1-5). It should be noted that the “if” at the beginning of our text is not “whether” but rather “since.”
This exhortation by Paul brings us to the very heart of what “getting along” ought to be. We should follow the example set forth by our blessed Lord Himself. The context says clearly, “being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Note: the same mind, the same love, in full accord and of one mind. There is absolutely nothing any closer than these for Christian unity. This means oneness in purpose and outlook. When put in practice, we will certainly enjoy exciting and wonderful Christian fellowship. Paul is also appealing to the congregation that if the things he sets forth is observed and put in practice, his joy will be complete because of like-mindedness, having the same love and being of one accord.
In commenting on the unity of believers, Dr. Charles Stanley writes that “The joyful unity of believers in Christ offers a powerful testimony to the world that the gospel of love we preach is real, unique, powerful, and welcoming to whomever will believe in the Lord Jesus. It is only through the gospel that people from every nation, race, language group, and socioeconomic level find forgiveness and peace and can join together in harmony (Rev. 7:9,10). (Life Principles Bible, p. 1428). As Christians, we must get along together with each other if our witness is going to be effective. The Lord Jesus said, “no city or house divided against itself will stand” (Matthew 12:25). In the Christian life, we must put in practice the things we believe and stand for.
One of the root causes of disharmony and disunity among Christians is, as the context points out, “selfish ambition or conceit.” This is where strife begins to sneak in. Selfish ambition is the “elevation of oneself.” It is a “me, myself, and I” concept—my personal interests above others. Conceit means “excessively high opinion of oneself; vain, excessive pride.” In the context, Paul is appealing to the Church “in humility count others more significant that yourselves.” The KJV of the Bible says it this way: “in lowliness of mind let each esteem others than themselves.” We are being taught to live unselfishly by putting the interests of others over and above our own. Some may find this difficult to do. However, by God’s grace and mercy and the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit, it can be accomplished. Remember what Paul said to the Philippians, “`I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
There is no competition of any kind in Christian life. We are all saved to worship and serve the only true and living God, who is not partial to anyone. All believers are loved by the same eternal love of God. We all have one “common salvation” (Jude 3). That is one of the reasons why each of us has the same responsibility to witness to the unsaved. Jesus said, “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all” (Mark 10:43,44).
It is with sound reason why Paul draws the attention of the believers to “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” (verse 5). There is adequate proof in the Scriptures that the Lord Jesus was most thoughtful and concerned about others during His earthly ministry. Having the mind of Christ does not mean we are going to fully agree on every single thing. But it must be done in love, respect, and kindness for each other.
In the context of Philippians 3, Paul presents the mindset of our Lord as obedient, humble, self-sacrificing, and loving. And this is the type of mindset we should endeavor to have. If we strive to have the mind of Christ, we definitely will. Since our thought processes influence our words and actions, therefore, if we need to have the mind of Christ, we must think like Him. Paul also warns us that “To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). Wouldn’t you rather set you mind on the Spirit?.