I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas ”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Dear God, there are a lot of things that come to mind as I read these passages. Of course, there’s the whole unity thing. But I guess what I’m thinking about is how people were apparently taking sides based upon who they liked best or baptized them. Apollos. Cephas. Paul. Christ (that group got it right—but it could have been for the wrong reason). There’s a pride that is implied with this that is cancerous.

I was reading a book last night, and the author was talking about the people from whom he has learned the most and the common theme among them was that they had the self assuredness they needed to be humble. They didn’t need to put others down. In fact, they were comfortable lifting others up. I hope I’m that kind of person.

Father, I know you love me and I’m grateful for that love. Help me to be willing to do anything you need me to do, even at my own expense, for the sake of your glory and the drawing of others closer to you. And help me to be united to my fellow Christians. Whether I follow “Baptist,” “Catholic,” “Methodist,” “Presbyterian,” etc., help all of us to work together so that your kingdom will come and your will will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen