1 Corinthians 1:10-13
New International Version (NIV)
A Church Divided Over Leaders
10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters,[a] 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. 11 My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas[b]”; still another, “I follow Christ.”13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?
I have mentioned in previous blogs I am a pastor's daughter, turned youth pastor, turned youth pastor's wife. I could probably write a book on this subject but I wont.
It is soooo important for us "christians" to be known by our love. So many people out there go to church and do nothing but talk about about their church and or their pastor. We should be ashamed of ourselves. If you are unhappy at the church you are attending, and cant commit or submit to the leadership of a church then you should find another church. We as Christians should not be the cause for disunity in a church. The Lord has put a man over a church and he is anointed. So we should be careful with the Lords anointed.
I meet with people all the time and they will tell me stories of how they have been to so many churches, and because of the way they were dressed or looked they didnt feel welcome. How horrible! The Lord doesnt look at me or you that way!! How can we look at others that way.. The Lord accepted me and my sin was as filthy stinky rags. How can we not be the same way.. ??!!
Eric and I recently met with a mom (of a teen in our program) and she said something like how at churches she has been to people said stuff to her and she wasnt welcome. Eric told her that wont happen here, and if it does you come to me and I will take care of it because they will be in the wrong.
I remember when I came to the church to be the youth director.. I painted the youth hall black.. Most of the people in our church didnt get it. Some told me Jess I dont like black but if thats what you want ok by me.. Others could care less. However there was one or two that said oh Black walls that is demonic. Every time they went into the youth hall (2 times a year) They told me how we needed to paint it and they could feel evil spirits in there. (this person no longer attends our church.)
My point is PAINT! Really?! We are going to be worried about paint!! The world shouldn't know us by arguing about paint!! We should LOVE. We should be Christ's earthly example of LOVE..
We as the CHURCH we cant get hurt feelings easy. However if your feelings are hurt then you should go to that person and talk about it. We should not slander their name all over church or our community. honestly it doesnt matter what they have done if you go around gossiping about them. Because then you are in the wrong and need to apologize.
We can not reach the world church if we are fighting with ourselves! John 13:35 says By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. We have to live this!!!
This prayer was in my DEvotional it is so good that I am posting it here.
Lord, let my tongue not cause division. help me to say only those things that edify! When I disagree with someone, let me speak respectfully and go directly to that person to speak the "truth in love". Let my life be one that is in harmony with those in my church. I want to make you attractive!!! In jesus's name AMEN..
I just want to say I am going through a devotional book for topics and verses. Theses thoughts are mine and mine alone (except for the prayer). I Know because I posted this some might wonder what's happening at Praise Cathedral. However my church is doing wonderful and God is blessing and the unity is better then ever. I am proud of my church and how they support going after the lost and not caring what it looks like or how it comes. They want to see the lost saved and the young people on fire.. I am to honored be apart of my church and have such an awesome church family...
