The word “like-minded” has been coming from all directions the last few weeks. I’ve heard it on the radio, in conversations and messages where people are referring to like-minded people. As I pressed the Lord for understanding- this is what I believe he is saying. He reminded me of a saying by my mother that has always rested in my spirit as a guiding light, "birds of a feather flock together." I always understood this to mean, be mindful of who you associate with and it has been very valuable throughout my life.
As I started to ponder like-minded and what it entails, I began to transcribe what I was hearing and these are my thoughts. If you are flocking with eagles you will soar high, go places, new elevations and fly above storms. If you hang with crows all you will do is sit, watch and squawk. If you flock with buzzards you wait for something to die (waiting for bad to happen) then like the EMT you are first on the scene to see what they can get. Association has a lot to do with elevation.
According to Webster like-minded is defined as having a like disposition or purpose: of the same mind or habit of thought. The synonyms are; agreeing, compatible, harmonious, in accord, in agreement, in harmony etc. According to the Greek like-minded is rom isos and psuche; of similar spirit; co-spirited, ie Similar in sentiment.
We are moving in a season where we need to evaluate who is in our circles. Are those in your circle being purposeful, haphazardly or idle about life? When God starts to reveal dreams, goals and life incentives to you, you cannot allow just any one to move with you. There are seasons when we are all in the mustard seed stage but as we progress, we forget to take inventory and look around to see who might have become weeds.
Philippians 2:1-5; NIV. 1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another have the same mindset as Christ Jesus
Weeds are the things that will choke the dreams and goals God planted in you. In this scripture, he encouraged those surrounding to have the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind (like-minded) the center of it all, was Jesus doing the will of his father. Paul was looking to encourage those that flock together. Verse 5, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”
As you take your assessment. I'm not saying cut folk off but if they are okay with being buzzards, ask yourself are they really in my flock or aligned with my purpose and dreams. Love them all but it might be a season to be wise and separate. When we are in certain stages, especially at the infancy stage of a dream or a purpose God has just revealed, everybody can’t be trusted with your baby (the dream, goal, life incentives). Think about Joseph, he told people he trusted and he was dumped in a pit/then sold off.
I’m not saying the people in your circle have to think or act like you, but they have to believe in and understand where you are headed. Trust your spirit about what you share. Understand- if you push past the pause in your spirit, you will have to deal with the consequences. We are all gates, we control who we let in and out of our gates. I challenge you to stand guard of your gates. Listen to your spirit-man as to what you can and cannot share. Check your flock out and ask God how to move them into the right space.
Lord give me the spirit of discernment. Show me those who are for and against me. Increase my capacity to love those I must separate from. Allow me to gather with my flock so that I will fulfill the purpose and plans for my life.
תגובות