A Warning Against Contentious Behavior
The Apostle Paul thanked God greatly for the evident grace in the lives of the Corinthian believers (I Corinthians 1:4). Even so, as often is the case with every Christian, they had just as evident a need for correction as well. Consequently, Paul rebuked them for the contentions that had arisen among them as reported by the house of Chloe (I Corinthians 1:10-11). What could have been so grievous as to drive a wedge between various groups of believers?
As it turned out, it was nothing more than a favoritism or partiality displayed for different ministers, and it had affected the entire church. Paul related “that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ” (I Corinthians 1:12). Some liked Paul because he had led them to Christ and founded the church; others liked Apollos because he was an eloquent speaker and “mighty in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24); still others favored Peter because he was the Apostle of the Circumcision (Galatians 2:7); finally, those no doubt among the most pious perhaps because they had seen the risen Savior (I Corinthians 15:6) said they were followers of Christ.
Paul’s main argument in addressing their folly was the organic unity in the body of Christ, i.e. the church. One can sense the passion in his questions to the believers there in Corinth. “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or, were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (I Corinthians 1:13) The obvious answer is “No!”. This unity purchased by the Savior’s blood was not to be treated lightly. Paul dealt similarly with the Ephesians. He charged that audience with “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2-3).
Why don’t we work harder at keeping the peace? It seems we can readily find something to disagree about and usually manage to “make a mountain out of a mole hill” as the proverb goes. We simply do not place the premium on peace that God does and, consequently, are ready to offer it up on the altar for the smallest of things. Contention is a chief characteristic of our society today and it is increasingly finding its way into the church. Yet, we do well to remind ourselves of Solomon’s warning to his son. “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look…and he that soweth discord among the brethren” (Proverbs 6:19).
Granted, sometimes peace is necessarily elusive. James does acknowledge that “the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable” (James 3:17) teaching us that truth is never to be surrendered to secure peace. Even so, we do well to remember Paul’s urging as well that “if it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). The next time you are in an escalating situation, remember this. “A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
Randy Livingston serves as a chaplain for a local police department. He writes devotionals for his ministry which also appear at his blog, From the Chaplain. We republish this post by permission.
Photo by jean wimmerlin on Unsplash