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. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”
They were led away be who they felt like was their more superior leader. And wow, nothing has changed.
In this context, it seemed like the person who baptized them received the greatest honor and following. Their different nuances in teaching made it so that people tried to settle arguments by declaring who they followed. This was never meant to be like this, but it will happen wherever you go throughout history. People want to align themselves with certain leaders.
It happens today.
It happens with denominations. “I’m a Baptist,” “I’m a Catholic,” “I’m a Christian.”
It happens with people. “I follow Joel Olsteen.” “I follow Amir Tsarfati.” “I follow Tony Evans.” Or “I don’t follow these I follow Christ.”
Then there are politicians. “I support Trump.” “I hate Trump.”
Do you see how we long for tribal identity? And that we place ourselves and identify our lives with who we love or hate?
The problem is this causes divisions and quarrels. Disagreement is not wrong. In fact, Paul will say that disagreements are normal and even necessary. But when it goes to the place of divisions and quarrels, we enter into sin.
The body cannot be a powerful forward force when some or part of our energy is directed to the side. With each other.
In this climate we are in today, this is a real issue. How many people have pulled away from others in the body of Christ because of political differences? Almost all of us.
How many have been tempted to leave the church because of the fall of a Christian leader? Many. And it’s because the head of the tribe was a man, and not Christ.
And how many churches have not worked together or supported one another because of disagreements in non-essentials?
If there is compromise in one of the essentials of faith, that is a different story.
But generally speaking, we are quicker than ever to separate into divisions and quarrels over non-essentials. This is a problem. We have lost the ability to disagree and yet remain in fellowship with each other.
Once’s belief about Trump becomes the dividing line of relationship. This is true not just for Americans or individuals, but even between countries. It hinders the flow of forward faith.
It isn’t easy. It’s a fight in us all.
But we must find a way to disagree and yet keep the gospel central.
It is a tact of the enemy to divide us.