The Set-Up:
A competitive spirit centered on personalities existed in the Corinthian church. Paul writes to this divided church and pleads with them for unity, not uniformity.
Unity refers to the union or harmony between different groups, whereas uniformity is the state of being uniform, with no allowance for differences. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul provides his prescription for Christian unity: “…that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” The threefold repetition of the word “same” underscores the need for unity.
In the first ten verses of 1 Corinthians !, there are ten references to Christ, indicating that for Paul, Christ should be the source and focus of unity in the church. In other words, there was no room for disagreement on the fundamental nature of the gospel, while not eliminating diversity. As believers, we are united in Christ, we have one Spirit, the Spirit of God. We have one purpose, to glorify God. We have one mission, to spread the good news about Jesus Christ. We have one goal, to lift up the name of Jesus and live like Him in this world.
Passage to Read:
Reflection Questions:
Do you belong to a personality-based clique?
How do you contribute to maintaining the unity in your church?
Do you make allowances for differences on matters not consequential to salvation?
Do you enjoy and appreciate the diversity in your church?
Prayer Idea: Ask the Lord to help you see that He requires unity, not uniformity. Pray for all in your church to see that it is God’s church and unity is an essential characteristic of His church. Ask the Lord to help you become an “agent of harmony” in your church.
This devotional was written by Karl Francis.