God’s people united
1 Corinthians 1.10-17
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.
Prepare
Are you a peacemaker? Do you build bridges between people who disagree, or do you like a good argument? Consider a recent situation of disagreement and your part in it.
Read
Explore
Paul appeals to the Corinthians to ‘agree with one another’ and be ‘perfectly united in mind and thought’ (v 10). They’ve been quarrelling (v 11) about the one they follow (v 12), apparently according to whoever baptised them (vs 13–16).
They are missing the point: baptism has nothing to do with the one splashing the water, and everything to do with Jesus. Paul’s preaching has nothing to do with himself, and everything to do with the gospel, the power of the cross (v 17).
Many divisions happen when we fail to see through human and religious trappings to God who stands behind it all. We need earthly things like baptism and communion (even church leaders and preachers!) to help us in our walk with God – we aren’t ethereal beings floating on clouds – but we must never forget God, to whom these things point.
Our challenge is to recognise when ‘stuff’ is standing in the way, obscuring God rather than pointing us to him. If something is causing quarrels, then that’s a big clue... Let’s not be uniform (ie identical), but let’s be ‘united’ (v 10) in our mission to the world. There are enough problems without us creating more amongst ourselves.
Respond
How can you encourage unity and challenge disagreement in your walk with God?