It must be human nature to find division where it needn't exist. Just look at the church as a whole. Different denominations fight so hard to "prove" they are the "right" denomination. It's a foolish waste of time, and can only be the work of the devil. If only more of us could simply respect the unity of the body of Christ.
Divisions in the Church
10I 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.11My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.12What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas "; still another, "I follow Christ."13Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?14I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius,15so no one can say that you were baptized into my name.16(Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.)(the following is from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary -- www.christnotes.org)
"Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:10-16
In the great things of religion be of one mind; and where there is not unity of sentiment, still let there be union of affection. Agreement in the greater things should extinguish divisions about the lesser. There will be perfect union in heaven, and the nearer we approach it on earth, the nearer we come to perfection. Paul and Apollos both were faithful ministers of Jesus Christ, and helpers of their faith and joy; but those disposed to be contentious, broke into parties. So liable are the best things to be corrupted, and the gospel and its institutions made engines of discord and contention. Satan has always endeavoured to stir up strife among Christians, as one of his chief devices against the gospel. The apostle left it to other ministers to baptize, while he preached the gospel, as a more useful work."
So true! Think how much good could be accomplished for Christ if we could agree to disagree. I admit, there are some pretty contentious issues out there, but so many things are relatively minor issues. I've been thinking a lot lately on what builds bridges, not walls, both in and outside of the Christian community. This passage goes right along with that thought.
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