The Junk Drawer: The Middle Ground - Wednesday
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” (ESV)
The early church in Corinth struggled with division, just as many churches do today. The Apostle Paul's plea for unity is as relevant now as it was then. Division within the church can stem from various sources: doctrinal disagreements, personal conflicts, cultural differences, and more. Yet, our call as Christians is to rise above these challenges and seek unity in Christ.
Several years ago I watched on the news an amateur video of several monks brawling with each other inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. The church is said to be the holiest site in Christendom as it is revered to be the place where Christ was crucified, buried, and resurrected. Armenian and Greek Orthodox monks fought over who got to use the space. In fact, 6 different denominations live in and share the church. The church is divided into sections for each group and there are complicated rules to allow for everyone to use it.
Due to the lack of unity within the church, a single Muslim family has been entrusted with the keys to opening the church since 1187. For over 800 years, before the sun rises, a representative from the Nuseibeh family unlocks the door of the church so Christians from over 47,000 different denominations of the global church can visit. The keys in the hands of the Nuseibeh family are a result of disunity within the church.
However, there is a key to unity that is found in our shared identity in Christ. We are all members of one body, with Christ as the head. When we focus on Him, our differences become secondary to our common purpose: to glorify God and spread the gospel.
Paul's instruction to the Corinthians highlights the importance of agreement and being "perfectly united in mind and thought." This does not imply that we will always agree on every issue. Rather, it calls us to prioritize love, humility, and the well-being of the church over our personal preferences and opinions. Ephesians 4:3 urges us to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This effort requires intentionality, patience, and a willingness to listen and understand others.
Wednesday’s Reflection
Unity in the church is a powerful testimony to the world. Jesus prayed for His followers in John 17:21, "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." Our unity reflects the love and truth of the gospel, drawing others to Christ. Let us commit to praying for unity in our churches, valuing each other as beloved members of God's family, and working together for His glory.