1 Corinthians 1 - 10.24.24
S – 1 Corinthians 1:10 - “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
O – This is a letter written by Paul to the Corinthians who were struggling with their environment. Paul had founded the church on his second missionary journey and just 18 months later arguments and division arose between the members. Some even slipped back to an immoral lifestyle. Paul wrote this letter to address these issues and to clear up any confusion regarding “right and wrong.” He began his letter with “Brothers and Sisters,” emphasizing that as Christians we are all part of God’s family. We have a bond, and that bond can even be deeper than the one we have with our biological families.
A – But agree with one another and let there be NO division among you? That seems like an impossible task! How can we possibly not disagree or quarrel? Well, I don’t believe that is exactly what God is saying. He knows our sinful nature and prideful ways, but He has expectations for how we live amongst each other.
If we truly believe we are God’s children and that our church family is made up of brothers and sisters, then we should at least begin with loving one another and caring for each other accordingly. This is not a request, but a command!
John 13:34-35 - “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” (MSG)
Every family has a set of values and rules that their family follows. You just know that in your house you do or don’t do (fill in the blank). As God’s children He has his own standards (rules) for how we are to interact with our family. It’s not a suggestion (like these red lights and stop signs seem to be here in SCV). But I digress! As Christians, we are called to a higher standard because God IS the standard and He is the Most HIGH. This is what He calls us to do, plain and simple.
It does seem rather a difficult task, however, unity does not equal uniformity. Dwelling together in unity does not mean that we are all the same. Instead, we acknowledge that we have different gifts, personalities, and ministries, and we all live and work together peacefully. We are united in purpose, making every effort to use our unique giftings in harmony with all the others. The apostle Peter urged, “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble” (1 Peter 3:8).
God wants His people to enjoy the rich blessing of dwelling together in unity. He calls us to help and support one another, share resources as we are able, worship and fellowship together, pray for one another, and build each other up in the faith.
Above all, dwelling together in unity means loving one another deeply and sincerely. Such unity among the people of God gives off a pleasing aroma that is attractive to unbelievers (John 13:35; 17:21, 23; 1 John 2:10; 3:14), but the stench of division destroys our witness in the world and drives unbelievers away. (Gotquestions.org)
Let’s not be stinky!
Psalm 133:1 - “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
P – Lord would you help us navigate this world where we are taught that we must protect ourselves, we must “get ours,” and we believe it’s our way or the highway. We are so easily offended and shut people out when they have any difference of opinion or a way of doing something. Yet YOU Lord, created us to be uniquely and wonderfully made. You made us to have our own thoughts and to do things differently. That is what makes us beautiful to You. Oh Lord, would you help us see that beauty in the differences of others! Help us to embrace the qualities you have given others and help us to learn from them. We are living in such a state of division within our city, our state, and the entire country. With the upcoming elections we are more divided than ever! Help each of us, as your children, let go of our own ideas of what/WHO, is right and wrong and focus solely and Your Will, Your Way! Help us love one another EVEN when we don’t agree, EVEN when we are different, EVEN when we think WE are right! Help us not be foolish in our thoughts.
Proverbs 14:12-16
12 There is a way that appears to be right,
but in the end it leads to death.
13 Even in laughter the heart may ache,
and rejoicing may end in grief.
14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,
and the good rewarded for theirs.
15 The simple believe anything,
but the prudent give thought to their steps.
16 The wise fear the Lord and shun evil,
but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.
Give us a heart to bear one another’s burdens, encourage one another, and LOVE one another as you have COMMANDED! Amen.
- Crystal Flory
