The church was divided.
They were divided over their favorite preachers.
They were divided about who was in charge.
They were divided about who was more spiritual.
They were divided over who had the most to contribute.
They were divided because of open and obvious sin, and the lack of correction.
They were divided by petty arguments and lawsuits against each other.
They were divided over matters of morality, and they were divided over matters of conscience.
They were divided over questions about marriage, and they were divided over questions about celibacy.
They were divided over diets.
They were divided over giving to missions and ministries.
They were divided over hats in church and hairstyles on heads.
They were divided by fellowship dinners and the Lord's supper.
They were divided by the exercise of Spiritual gifts, especially tongues and prophecy.
They were divided by arguments over the nature of the resurrection.
They were divided over who should be taking up the offerings, and who should be delivering it to where it was supposed to go.
In all that division, there were some issues that just weren't worth talking about. There were others that necessitated division, getting on one side of the issue or the other. There were some divisions that needed exploration and discussion so that understanding could bring unity. There were other divisions that just needed action.
That Corinthian Church was one messed up congregation of carefree charismaniacs, a hundred people going in a hundred different directions, but all of them apparently lacking in the one thing that is supposed to knit a body together. It is not about being alike that makes us a church; it is about being in love. We must love the Savior first of all, and we must love each other. Actions are going to necessitate reactions, but love keeps all things in perspective. Disagreements are going to happen, but love keeps the disagreement from becoming divisive. Love is that which endeavors to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
For we are one body. We have one Spirit. And there is one hope in which we are called. One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, is above all, and through all, and in you all.
1 comment:
Amen! When disagreements are about issues rather than about the people involved, there is far less division. When we follow God's commands, it's amazing how much unity there is!
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