Platform Admin
Thoughts on Today’s Verse…
The Corinthians boasted in their wisdom, giftedness, and tolerance. Yet this wisdom, gifted, and tolerance were worldly and not holy. No matter how gifted a church, how full of earthly wisdom its leaders may have, or how tolerant they are to other opinions, if the people of that church are caught up in petty arguments, cliquishness, and ugly quarrels, they are immature and worldly. Rather than being a place where Christ is known and shown, their meetings are no more than just a gathering of “mere humans.” We are recreated in Christ to be more!
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).
Let’s live up to what God has made us to be and not be worldly and “mere humans.”
My Prayer…
Holy and Righteous Father, please humble me gently and call me to repentance when I am jealous, quarrelsome, cliquish, or petty. I know you see me as your beloved child, so I ask for the help of the Holy Spirit for me to be who you have made me to be. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Bible References
3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
1 Corinthians 3:3
You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?
The believers in the church at Corinth had many problems! These believers struggled to live lives that were Christ-like. One of the issues that Paul had to address was the divisiveness in the church that was being caused by some of the people following Paul and some following a man named Apollos. While both Paul and Apollos were good and godly men, they were not God.
Their division was such that they were arguing and being quite nasty with each other, definitely not behaving in a Christ-like manner. The simple fact of the matter is, we are never to follow a man, we are to follow Jesus Christ for only He is perfect and righteous, He is the one who died on the cross for sinners, only He is God’s Son!
It is truly sad to see satan work his wicked ways in churches. I have seen it far too much in my life. The devil is constantly trying to get Christians to have strife with one another, when he accomplishes his goal, the testimony of Christ is tarnished. The unsaved who are observing us look at Christians as examples of Christ, if they see us arguing and quarreling then they will think that is what our Savior is all about! Why would they want any part of being a Christian if they see little or no difference between us and the world?
Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
I understand that there are times when we have to take a stand for Christ, and this may cause others to be upset with us. We are always to obey God’s Word no matter what. But the majority of unrest in churches, and relationships for that matter, is caused by pride and selfishness.
God calls us to be like Christ (Philippians 2:1-8). Christ served others, He did not have an attitude of arrogance and pride, instead He was humble and loving, putting others needs above His own and looking out for their best interests. Lord help us to purpose every day to imitate Christ in our lives and to love as He loves and serve others as He calls us to!
Father God, thank You for sending Your very own Son Jesus Christ to this world to die for my sins. I pray that You help me to be an accurate example of Jesus to all that I interact with each day, for Your glory. I love You so Abba and give You all praise this day, Amen!