12 May 2005

What is all this talk of agreement in the middle of division? We continue with 1 Corinthians.

Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or I belong to Cephas," or "I belong to Christ." Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?... For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. (1 Cor. 1:10 -13, 17)

All we may touch on today is the urging that there be agreement and no divisions among the Corinthians. There will always be divisions among us...all of us in every place and time. Paul isn't talking about simple divisions. Rather, we will be in agreement about the Reign of God that comes through out Lord, Jesus. We will weigh all things with that vision among us. Our life together will always settle on the truth of the Good News. We will be of one mind about the faithfulness of our God and the grace of God that creates a people out of nothing at all. There will not be multiple ways to consider the love of God. It is one love - as seen in Jesus. It is one gracious love that carries us without end - and nothing will cause it to trip up...ever. So united we live and within that unifying truth we gather together to tackle the events of this day to which we usually give the power to control us.

Connection: When there is division in the church, would it be good if we asked one another, "What is it about the grace of God in Christ, Jesus, that we find less than true?" Then our discussions may bring us around to look at what it is that has authority for us in our lives. I think we will begin to see quite quickly how grace does or does not shape us & what else we are trusting to shape our community.

Bind us together by the love that is known through our Lord, Jesus. Even when we turn and follow other stories that cannot bring the fullness of life you promise, let your love continue to bring us to the table of prayerful discussion and revelation through your grace. Amen.