19 July 2005

We are going to skip over material in chapter 11 of 1 Corinthians that has to do with the position of husbands and wives, covering on heads, veils and hair. Instead we will pick up later in that chapter.

Now in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. For, to begin with, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you; and to some extent I believe it. Indeed, there have to be factions among you, for only so will it become clear who among you are genuine. (1 Cor. 11:17-19)

I will add to this tomorrow but we need to listen to these words before Paul goes forward to talk about how the Corinthians were sharing the Lord's Supper. The folks there seem to be living in the midst of division and that is happening at the cost of the community. But then there is a wonderful word from Paul. First he says he can believe that there would be. That can sound like a slam - almost like, "I knew you couldn't pull off this community in Christ thing." And yet, that is not how he means it. He rather has an healthy way of viewing conflict and differences and factions. Where most people find this a reason to split, Paul expects that this is the way we will discern the way and the nature of the community. Division is not bad in itself. It is how we go about our divisions. We could use them as ways to evaluate what is happening to us and where we are going. It is quite like a government that is run by one party. Who is going to keep that one side honest if another side is not there to speak up and ask questions and show another way!?! We become whole only when we see and hear that which is not the way would choose to hear and see and live.

Connection: Read both sides of a story...listen to both sides of an argument...attempt to engage in honest and critical conversation - this is all called prayer.

Let you Spirit of Renewal and Hopefulness bring us into this day with expectation that we will move along the way of following our Lord, Jesus. In that way we will not fear our differences. Rather, you will lead us through them into a greater understanding of how we embody your living will. Amen.