Monday, November 11, 2024
Be United – 1 Corinthians 1:10 Submitted by Kay Crumley
I must admit that I am concerned about the division of our nation politically. I fear that the divisions are extending to every part of the lives of many. I hear about neighbors having verbal stand offs over their party affiliations. That is disturbing to me. We live in a free country, and all seem to stand on the idea of freedom of speech, until that steps on our toes. Are we guilty of allowing differences of opinion to cause such division that we can no longer be civil with one another? As Christ followers, believers, or Christians (you pick the title) we must look and act differently than those who are not part of the family of God. Are we posting divisive statements on social media that look and sound like non-believers? Do we think before we speak or post if that statement is honoring Christ? While we don’t agree with worldly views, we are to behave in a Godly manner. Let’s keep the main thing the main thing when we come together as a church. Who or what is in control of our thoughts and words?
In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he addresses the saints of the church in Corinth in Chapter 1. He gave thanks for the grace of God in the lives of these believers, their growing in knowledge. He encouraged them that God had provided them all they needed in way of spiritual gifts through Jesus Christ. They, like us, are strengthened by Him and called into fellowship with Him. The purpose of that is that they will be blameless at His return. In one commentary it is noted that ‘Paul refers to Jesus eleven times in the first ten verses. Paul is promoting the sure cure for problems of the Corinthians: getting your eyes off self and on Jesus.’ That leads me to ask, is the disagreement about me and my opinion or am I focusing on the Jesus Way?
In verse 10 Paul is pleading with his readers that they find unity within the church.
10 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, that there be no divisions among you, and that you be united with the same understanding and the same conviction.
What is most important? Our core beliefs are to be what is taught in the Word, the character of God. In the body of Christ there should be no division. That is accomplished with the put our eyes on Him and off self. We are taught to correct those who have gotten off the core truth. However, the way we approach those corrections is critical to maintaining unity in the body. We are to confront those who are teaching misinformation about the Word with gentleness and reverence. Our unity in faith should be primary over any other disagreements. Keep the main thing the main thing. I prefer cats as pets over dogs as pets. I should never become so passionate as to allow that to create animosity between myself and the dog people I know. We are not of this world; we are citizens of the Kingdom of God. Our unity in Christ is of first importance.
Walk in a way worthy of the gospel. We are called to proclaim His gospel. As Pastor Jim ended his sermon last Sunday Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received. 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Paul, in both letters, emphasized unity in the body of Christ centers on keeping our eyes on Him. Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the Light of His glory and grace. (chorus from Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus by Helen H. Lemmel).
