1 Corinthians: A 35-Day Reading PlanSample

What It Means To Be United

Let’s be honest: the Church isn’t exactly famous for its unity. We quarrel over worship styles, specific preachers, and which Bible translation is our favorite. The only time the Church appears to agree is when it takes on an attitude of condemnation against culture, and even then there is division.

This type of pride and arguing among believers is not new to our time in history.  In the early church in Corinth, believers were bragging about which preacher they followed. Paul wrote to them about this issue, essentially saying, “Why argue about your preferences? Your favorite preacher wasn’t crucified for you; Christ was. Your favorite preacher doesn’t have the power to save you. He can only point to the One who can.”

Unity means that, despite differences of opinion and style, we can all come together at the foot of the cross.

Unity doesn’t mean we have to bend our preferences to fit a specific mold. The entire church would have to agree on a favorite preacher, worship style, or Bible translation — and that would take from now until eternity. Unity means that, despite differences of opinion and style, we can all come together at the foot of the cross. Followers of Jesus can approach every relationship with the attitude, “I may not agree with your specific preferences, but I can agree with you that Jesus is a great Savior. Let’s work together to spread His good news.”

Reflect:

• What’s one area where you see division in the church? 
• What is one area of your life in which you need to shift from quarreler to encourager?
• Is there anyone you need to forgive or ask forgiveness from in order for the church to move forward in unity?