Unity Isn’t Suppression - It’s Submission
Many years ago, I first heard the term “groupthink.” Groupthink occurs when a group comes to a unanimous agreement, not because the idea is right or true, but because no one wants to be the person who disrupts harmony or challenges the majority. It becomes dangerous when people suppress their convictions simply to avoid discomfort or conflict.
Groupthink is especially dangerous when your conscience is practically screaming that what the group is leaning toward does not make sense.
I remember working in a school district where groupthink was the norm. At the beginning of every meeting, we would review meeting norms and repeat expected behaviors such as “speak your truth” and “expect non-closure.” When those two ideas are combined, what you really get is permission to vent - with an expectation to be ignored. On one hand, we were told to be honest and transparent. On the other hand, we were warned not to expect resolution when hard truths surfaced.
At this stage in my life, I’m too old to be played with.
One of the beauties of finding yourself in Christ is that when the Holy Spirit within you is drawn toward truth, it creates pressure - like a bottle of carbonated liquid that’s been shaken. The key to keeping it from exploding everywhere is not to rip the cap off, but to slowly ease it open. You let out a little gas, wait, then let out a little more. The process takes time, but you preserve the beverage - and your clothes.
That’s how it feels when I’m confronted with a deception, a teaching, or an idea that doesn’t sit right in my spirit.
Earlier in my career, I would keep the cap tightly closed during meetings. Then I’d get home, twist it open all at once, and explode in a torrent of frustration - language and behavior that were anything but holy. Over time, I learned a better way. Now, I loosen the cap during the meeting. I release a little truth, give it time to settle, then release a little more. I keep applying truth calmly and consistently, while maintaining my composure - because the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:20).
I digress - but back to groupthink.
Groupthink is dangerous when it suppresses truth for the sake of fitting in or not upsetting the apple cart. However, what people often label as groupthink in the Kingdom of God is not groupthink at all - it is unity.
Scripture tells us to “let this mindset be in you that was also in Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 2:5), and to “be of one mind,” (Romans 12:16; Philippians 2:2), and the women especially were encouraged by Paul to “think the same thing” (Philippians 4:2). In Christ, it is not a flaw to lack originality - it is a goal to share the same convictions, grounded in and guided by the Word of God. We are all at different levels of maturity according to our faith, but the aim is alignment.
If we are all drinking of the same Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13), we should ultimately be carrying the same message.
The messengers may differ. One may be called to write the Word, another to preach it, another to sing it. The delivery and voice may vary - but the source of the message, and the message itself, remain the same.
What the Kingdom calls “being of one mind” can be twisted in two directions. False teachers may misuse it as a tool of manipulation to silence questions. On the other hand, some believers reject unity altogether because they want to be distinct, visible, or impressive (Galatians 1:10). But the twelve apostles never considered it an insult to think like Jesus. In fact, they pursued it.
The more our minds are renewed by the washing of the water of the Word (Ephesians 5:26; Romans 12:2), the more His word will be formed in us (Galatians 4:19), and the more like Him we become. I consider that a blessing. I am humbled by the process of becoming more like my Savior and fellowshipping with others who agree with the Word and its intended meaning.
That, in fact, is what it will be like in the new heavens and the new earth when Jesus restores all things (Revelation 21:1–5; Acts 3:21). There will be no competing ideologies, no self-promotion, no need to challenge truth - because everyone will know the Lord and will readily agree to what He says (Jeremiah 31:34).
What a joyous time that will be!
Until then, find yourself a Bible-reading and teaching church that is inclusive of all people, but not inclusive of every idea - especially those that oppose the Word of God (Acts 17:11; Jude 1:3).
We become what we believe (Proverbs 23:7).
Prayer
Father God, in the name of Jesus, You are the Creator of heaven and earth. You are wise beyond measure, and there is none like You. You give good gifts to those who truly believe, and You distribute Your Spirit to each person according to Your perfect will.
We thank You for the ability to think critically and discern truth. How wise You were to form humanity as body, soul, and spirit. You knew us before we were formed in our mothers’ wombs. You nourished us with the pure milk of Your Word, and now we desire solid food.
Help us, Lord, not to consider it robbery to think like You, to feel what You feel, and to walk as You walked. Teach us to die daily to the self-exalting tendencies of our flesh so that we may reflect Christ in word and deed.
Surround us with believers who sharpen us in truth - those who neither add to, subtract from, nor distort Your Word to fit personal agendas. Conform our minds to the image of Your Son, and unite us in truth, humility, and love.
We thank You, and we trust You to complete the work You have begun in us.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.