Unity not Division for paper May 25

Unity not Division for paper May 25

Paul is ministering in Ephesus when he is brought a report that there are divisions in the church in Corinth where he had ministered for a year and a half at the urging of Christ. It seems that some in Corinth want to be followers of Paul, some followers of Apollos, some followers of Peter and then some followers of Christ. Paul urges them to remain united. “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” 1 Corinthians 1: 10 He goes on in the first 4 chapters to teach them how to deal with this division.

Then even later in his letter when he is teaching about the different spiritual gifts in the body of Christ he again want to ensure that the different gifts do not cause division. “so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.” 1 Corinthians 12: 25

Throughout the history of the church and still today divisions divide church bodies and many individual churches are plagued with divisions. Even in Paul’s day he had to write to other churches warning about division. In his conclusion to the letter to the Romans he tells them, “I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.” Romans 16:17  Then in his instructions to Titus he tells him “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.” Titus 3: 9-11

What is it that Paul and Christ would like to see in the churches? In the very early church there was a unity of spirit that was void of controversies. Acts 4 tells us the result of that unity. “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them.” Acts 4: 32 – 34a

When controversy enters a body of Christ its focus changes from the mandate Christ gave to Christians, and therefore to churches, to deal with the controversy, or to continue to argue and fight over the controversy without ever coming to unity. Every church desires go grow in numbers as it reaches out to those around it with Christ’s message of reconciliation. Once division or controversy enters a church it no longer reaches out as it deals with the division. Even visitors to such a church can see and feel the tension within the church and look elsewhere for a church home. Even Jesus said a kingdom divided against itself would fall and so will a divided church.

So how can we deal with a division or controversy if it enters our church? The first thing is forgiveness. If you have been sinned against in a controversy you must forgive, it is not optional for Christians. “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6: 14, 15 There can be no unity in a church such as the early church enjoyed without complete forgiveness from the heart.

Then try to adopt the attitude Paul suggests. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” Philippians 2: 3 – 5a

It is not easy to be a Christian. The above suggestions are not easy to follow when you are embroiled as part of a controversy in your church. Your sinful nature wants to take over, leading you to seek revenge, to harbor anger, to be right in these situations. Everyone around you, even your neighbors will be able to see if you are truly acting as a Christian ought to. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13: 35

Blessings