NOV 21

1 Corinthians 1:10
Memorise 1 Corinthians 1:10
"…that ye be perfectly joined together…”

A couple of years back, there were some problems in the leadership of our church which led to much strife and division among the members. Although I was not fully aware of what was going on, I still recall feeling rather troubled about it. I prayed simply that God would resolve the problem and restore peace and unity in the church.

The Corinthian church faced something similar. It had been brought to Paul’s attention that “there are contentions among you” (I Corinthians 1:11). The church had split themselves into several factions, leading to fierce rivalry between those in the various camps. Some said that they were of Paul (the founder of the church); some were of Apollos (the pastor); others were of Cephas (i.e. Peter – the leader of the Jerusalem Church). Some even said that they were of Christ – taken positively, this could mean that perhaps this was the group who were more discerning and able to rise above the conflict, or perhaps this could be taken negatively to mean that they had a holier-than-thou attitude. The conflict had become so serious that Paul was pressed to write this letter to them to strongly urge them to “speak the same thing” and to “be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment”. What he desired from them was that they put aside their pride and divisiveness, and be of the same mind, having the same faith, believing in the same Word, and worshipping the same Lord.

For a church to function properly, it is imperative that the members are united in a common purpose, a common heart, a common will. Christians are called upon to be soldiers for Christ, but how can we fight the good fight of faith if we are too busy fighting amongst ourselves! Without unity and peace, how can the gospel of Christ be advanced? But do note however, that this unity cannot be had at the expense of compromise. When Paul exhorted them towards unity, it was on condition that they be perfectly joined together, not only in their attitudes, but in their doctrines as well.

Dear teen, do you see the importance of unity in the church? May this not be something that you take for granted, but may you instead pray daily that God will continue to grant peace in the church, that we may truly be one body of Christ, serving the Lord together in one spirit and one mind.

Thought: ‘Blest be the tie that binds!’
Prayer: Lord, may You always grant peace and unity in my church.