Devotion:
Read 1 Corinthians 1:10-17.
Church unity has always been important beginning in the early churches. Paul puts it first of problems he deals with at the church at Corinth. Many of the other problems in the church were caused by the division within the congregation. He appeals to them, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Their relationship to Christ was the unifying factor of the church. There is no other name magnificent enough or powerful enough to gather people in unity. Paul recognized that we share a common life if we focus on Christ; we are brothers and sisters because we have his life in us. Jesus unifies us. We have a responsibility to obey him and follow him together with a unity of purpose.
This does not mean that everybody has to think alike. With all the differences among us, it is impossible to get people to think alike on all matters. The church has never expected to have everybody having the same thoughts on all subjects. Yet Paul says we are to be united in mind as we strive to live with the mindset that Christ had, which was to sacrifice for others and serve with humility. Many of our churches today struggle to stay focused on the main thing of Christianity, which is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and help others.
Personal Worship Option:
Dear God, Help us to stay focused on you and not get distracted with petty issues that cause conflicts within our church families. Remind us and encourage us to show your love, kindness, and forgiveness to others inside and outside our churches. Amen.
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