Divided in Christ
When the outside world looks at the Christian church what do you think they see? I have often wondered about that in my own life being raised Catholic and I once like many others thought there was only one way right way to worship and serve God. But as I grew older and began to seek after God through prayer and reading of His word I came to understand that it was a requirement for each individual to have their own personal relationship with Jesus. Since that day I have continued on that journey and understand that the Bible teaches that the power of God is manifested in individuals through the working of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life. What makes me scratch my head though was an issue for Paul in Corinth and is still and issue within the Christian Movement today. Paul’s letter addresses these issues;
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.
1 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV)
Now Paul is pleading with the Corinthians to be in one mind about who they have come to faith in. You see in the church today we often have favorite preachers and people we associate with our salvation and development of our Christian walks but just as Paul told the Corinthians I want to remind you no man no matter how Godly or anointed they might be brought us salvation. Our only hope is found in Jesus and the church today needs to be reminded of that. The problem for the church today is not only that we are divided by denominations but also but our values as laid out in Scripture. The varying interpretations of man have weakened our ability to understand right from wrong in accordance with God’s Word. Paul states, “Be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” I hope we can understand that. You see the opposite of this every day as Christian denominations and leaders; in a move to appease the world and become popular, are selling short what God’s word says and instructing people that what God’s word says is not relevant to today. Let me assure you Paul’s instruction to Timothy about the importance of God’s word is still true today.
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
I challenge you today to be in God’s word read it with prayer asking God to show you the way He has called for us to live. So that all those who proclaim Christ will be united in the same mind and the same understanding of judgment; providing us the ability to look at life and judge fairly what is right and wrong in accordance with God’s word. All scripture is applicable to the Christian walk and if it calls something sin than we need to be like Joseph in the house of Potiphar and run away from it. I Pray God bless you with a burning desire for His word and the knowledge and understanding the Holy Spirit brings so that we may live lives worthy of Jesus sacrifice on the cross. I continue to believe there is only one right way to worship and serve God and that way is laid out for each of us in the Bible. Have a truly Blessed day as you walk in the light of God’s Word.
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