1 Corinthians 1:10-16
“Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose.” vs. 10
Paul had some lofty expectations for that congregation in Corinth. He wanted them to be united in the same mind and the same purpose. It seems a reasonable ideal but, in practice it’s been next to be impossible to pull off. Wherever the church has been established it takes no time at all for members to be at odds with one another. Invariably, differences begin to be seen as an irritation rather than a blessing. One group or another has a sense of superiority based on knowledge or history and there begin to be subtle power struggles. Sometimes religious practices and doctrines cause separation or maybe it’s the way scripture is interpreted. There are perhaps thousands of factors that have been involved in the fragmentation of Christianity. Certainly it should not be expected that congregations will have conformity in liturgy or practice…obviously believers have different preferences for worship and structure. But there’s no reason for us to tear each other down and fight among ourselves. Certainly that was not the intention of Jesus for his followers. We have been called to be the light of the world and not waste our energy on bickering with brothers and sister. It’s past time for us to start working together to proclaim the good news.
Thought for the Day: How have I been affected by division in the church?
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