Setting Aside Differences
I Corinthians 1:10-13, 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. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? ...For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power."
The world enjoys dividing the Church universal and in many ways it has succeeded. We must remain united for us to stand. The Living Life writer today reminds us: "This does not mean he wants to see a church made up of clones that do not exercise independent thinking, but it is a plea to believers to set aside the differences that might divide them and focus on what brought them together: their shared faith in the LORD Jesus Christ." This is a tough challenge to the Church, it is very easy to say we can just focus on what we have in common --salvation in Christ, but it can get difficult when the rubber hits the road. There are many issues we face today and the Body of Christ is rightly involved in such socio-political and economic issues, however it is even easier to get too involved because we are rightly passionate about some things which also stems from our faith. I don't really know the response to this, but only to be mindful of myself, what I express and share with others and especially fellow believers, that is not very helpful is it? Holy Spirit help me, help us, fix our gaze on Christ, the finisher and perfecter of our faith (Heb 12:2), however that may mean, and whatever godly unity in the Church means vis-a-vis the challenges we face, grant us truth and help us find truth and focus, and through Your Word, through Your wisdom, distill our passions and subject it to Christ (~II Cor 10:5). Holy Spirit, all divine, dwell in this heart of mine, cast down every idol throne, reign supreme and reign alone.
"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. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? ...For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power."
The world enjoys dividing the Church universal and in many ways it has succeeded. We must remain united for us to stand. The Living Life writer today reminds us: "This does not mean he wants to see a church made up of clones that do not exercise independent thinking, but it is a plea to believers to set aside the differences that might divide them and focus on what brought them together: their shared faith in the LORD Jesus Christ." This is a tough challenge to the Church, it is very easy to say we can just focus on what we have in common --salvation in Christ, but it can get difficult when the rubber hits the road. There are many issues we face today and the Body of Christ is rightly involved in such socio-political and economic issues, however it is even easier to get too involved because we are rightly passionate about some things which also stems from our faith. I don't really know the response to this, but only to be mindful of myself, what I express and share with others and especially fellow believers, that is not very helpful is it? Holy Spirit help me, help us, fix our gaze on Christ, the finisher and perfecter of our faith (Heb 12:2), however that may mean, and whatever godly unity in the Church means vis-a-vis the challenges we face, grant us truth and help us find truth and focus, and through Your Word, through Your wisdom, distill our passions and subject it to Christ (~II Cor 10:5). Holy Spirit, all divine, dwell in this heart of mine, cast down every idol throne, reign supreme and reign alone.
Comments
Post a Comment