Stand United

I Corinthians 11:17-19: “17 But now when I mention this next issue, I cannot praise you. For it sounds as if more harm than good is done when you meet together.18 First of all, I hear that there are divisions among you when you meet as a church, and to some extent I believe it.19 But, of course, there must be divisions among you so that those of you who are right will be recognized!”

Paul’s letter to the Corinthian Church was written to correct behavior, and to clear up some confusion about what is to be tolerated and what would not be tolerated. The next subject of Paul’s letter was a rebuke about the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper or Communion. For the Christian Church this sacred practice is to be held with the greatest respect and honor. However, in the Corinthian church it was held with disrespect and confusion. Before the proper use and practice of the ordinance Paul, rebukes the church harshly for the divisions that have cropped up within the church. Paul mentioned that at this moment in time when they gathered together for church they were doing more harm then good. He revealed that there were divisions among them causing disunity and contentions. Paul stated that one reason for these divisions was that there was a group of people who loved being recognized for their “winning of arguments.”

The greatest enemy to the Christian Church today is Christians. Our behavior causes many to abandon the faith. Our behaviors can and have caused people to reject the gospel message. Divisions and senseless arguments have caused many to look at the church and say, “why on earth would I want to be apart of that”. We as Christ-followers need to stop causing divisions among each other and produce an atmosphere of love. What have you won if you win an argument yet cause others to falter in the process? Good Job! You have proved your point and have even showed how superior your knowledge is. However, at what cost? The body of Christ should never be divided; rather it should be operating with unity and oneness. As husband and wife are one in flesh, so should it be with Christ and His followers, one in flesh, not looking for individual gratification, rather as a team striving together.

Application – We are to operate as a precision instrument, not as individuals.
Challenge – Set aside your need to be right and build each other up with respect and love.

Tomorrows Readings:
Old Testament: Proverbs 1-2 New Testament I Cor. 12