Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Love: The Foundation of Unity
Bible portion1 Corinthians 3:1-9“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” - 1 Corinthians 3:7
Devotional Text
Paul’s letter of admonition to the church in Corinth serves as a reminder to all of us today as we go about our daily lives. We all have a role to play in the building up of God’s kingdom. At times, we can become our own worst enemies in the mission that was laid out before us.
Paul’s words can seem to be scathing, but when we take a moment to realize the divisions that were taking place in the church, we can understand the scope of the message. Christ’s body was called to be united. A body, by nature, works in cohesion. A body that is at war with itself cannot survive. The church in Corinth acted as a splintered body. Some stood with Paul while others clung onto Apollos. The believers in Corinth failed to realize that Paul and Apollos stood for the same ideals. There was no need for division. For these reasons, Paul referred to the believers as “mere infants in Christ”. However, this was not meant to be a snide remark. Paul wanted the faith community to introspect and recognize the greater implications of their quarrels. Through Paul and Apollos, God was working out the salvation of many in Corinth. As Jesus taught us, “if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand” (Mark 3:25).
Sports teams are a great example of the aforementioned principle. A team composed of great players cannot attain the ultimate goal of winning a championship unless certain sacrifices are made. Egos have to be discarded and hidden agendas have to be resolved. The believers in Corinth found themselves on the brink of ruin by failing to see the true purpose of the church. In our own churches, we have to be aware of the divisions that exist. Divisions are devices in the hands of the enemy. In what we do, if we are seeking the glory from others, then we will ultimately be left unfulfilled. In the building up of God’s kingdom, we are simply vessels for a greater purpose. No one is necessarily greater than the other. We are all equipped with different gifts and talents that lend to the building up of the body.
Divisions are bound to arise in our Christian journey. How we respond to these divisions is a testament to our spiritual maturity in Christ. Today’s devotional passage outlines for us the way we ought to handle these challenges and ultimately grow in the love of Christ together.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we ask that not our will, but Yours be done in our lives. We pray that You equip us to be your faithful stewards on this earth. May we always look to You and not to the ways of the world as we continually grow in faith. Without You leading and guiding our every step, we would not be able to get very far in this life. Help us to live each day of our lives in holiness and righteousness, in humility of heart and with self-control. Help us to walk in spirit and in truth and to do only those things that I have heard from You, through the Word of God and the gentle promptings of Your Holy Spirit. We pray that You strengthen us to diligently pursue Your greater plans and purpose for our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen
Thought for the Day
As we work as co-workers on the same mission, God will provide for us and bring the increase.
Gini Thomas
Staten Island MTC, NY
Paul’s letter of admonition to the church in Corinth serves as a reminder to all of us today as we go about our daily lives. We all have a role to play in the building up of God’s kingdom. At times, we can become our own worst enemies in the mission that was laid out before us.
Paul’s words can seem to be scathing, but when we take a moment to realize the divisions that were taking place in the church, we can understand the scope of the message. Christ’s body was called to be united. A body, by nature, works in cohesion. A body that is at war with itself cannot survive. The church in Corinth acted as a splintered body. Some stood with Paul while others clung onto Apollos. The believers in Corinth failed to realize that Paul and Apollos stood for the same ideals. There was no need for division. For these reasons, Paul referred to the believers as “mere infants in Christ”. However, this was not meant to be a snide remark. Paul wanted the faith community to introspect and recognize the greater implications of their quarrels. Through Paul and Apollos, God was working out the salvation of many in Corinth. As Jesus taught us, “if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand” (Mark 3:25).
Sports teams are a great example of the aforementioned principle. A team composed of great players cannot attain the ultimate goal of winning a championship unless certain sacrifices are made. Egos have to be discarded and hidden agendas have to be resolved. The believers in Corinth found themselves on the brink of ruin by failing to see the true purpose of the church. In our own churches, we have to be aware of the divisions that exist. Divisions are devices in the hands of the enemy. In what we do, if we are seeking the glory from others, then we will ultimately be left unfulfilled. In the building up of God’s kingdom, we are simply vessels for a greater purpose. No one is necessarily greater than the other. We are all equipped with different gifts and talents that lend to the building up of the body.
Divisions are bound to arise in our Christian journey. How we respond to these divisions is a testament to our spiritual maturity in Christ. Today’s devotional passage outlines for us the way we ought to handle these challenges and ultimately grow in the love of Christ together.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we ask that not our will, but Yours be done in our lives. We pray that You equip us to be your faithful stewards on this earth. May we always look to You and not to the ways of the world as we continually grow in faith. Without You leading and guiding our every step, we would not be able to get very far in this life. Help us to live each day of our lives in holiness and righteousness, in humility of heart and with self-control. Help us to walk in spirit and in truth and to do only those things that I have heard from You, through the Word of God and the gentle promptings of Your Holy Spirit. We pray that You strengthen us to diligently pursue Your greater plans and purpose for our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen
Thought for the Day
As we work as co-workers on the same mission, God will provide for us and bring the increase.
Gini Thomas
Staten Island MTC, NY