I Corinthians 1:10b “But that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
Let me ask you a question: Is there anybody that God loves that you don’t? Is there anybody that loves God that doesn’t love you? Truthfully, one or both may be the case this morning, and the reason more than likely boils down to personality.
The Apostle Paul was trying to deal with the problem of disunity in the Corinthian church. Is baptism right for a believer? Yes, it is. Is baptism a good thing? Yes, it is. But these Corinthian believers were divided, angry, and bothered; and this contention stemmed from the fact that some claimed, “I am of Paul,” while others were “of Apollos” or “Cephas”-and the very pious-sounding crowd claimed, “I am of Christ.” (verse 12)
Paul’s aim in verse 10 is unity. He says by inspiration, “Now I beseech you, brethren . . . that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” The same call is ringing for us today: those of us who are “brethren”-who are part of God’s family through Jesus Christ-should be of one mind and pulling together in the same direction.
These brethren in Corinth were allowing personalites (specifically, the personalities of Paul, Apollos, and Peter) to divide their church. It’s still true that the cause of Christ will suffer if you allow personalities to divide and sow discord. The appeal of I Corinthians chapter 1 is for unity-“perfectly joined together.”
Where do most problems come from? So often, conflicts and divisions are personality-driven, whether it is your personality or the one who greatly influenced you. However, our unity should be driven by the truth. Variety is God’s idea, and that includes personalities. But whether personalities are a weakness or strength depends on your flesh or God’s Spirit.
Christ is not divided. Paul did not die for your sins-God’s Only Son did. Let unity this morning be driven by the truth, and may God help us to be on the lookout for ways to be “perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
Prayer Requests:
1. Health, safety, and provision for staff
2. Salvation of unsaved teen, junior, and deaf campers
Camp Quotes:
“Anyone who comes to God poor and needy can have anything in His kingdom.” (Matthew 5:3)
-Evangelist Rick Flanders