For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?
1 Corinthians 3:4 (NIV)
Skip to…
Today’s Devotional
1 Corinthians 3:4 confronts the issue of division within the church, pointing to a deeper problem of spiritual immaturity and misplaced allegiance. Paul’s rhetorical question challenges the Corinthians’ tendency to align themselves with human leaders rather than Christ Himself. This verse serves as a reminder that our primary identity and loyalty should be to Christ, not to any particular leader or group. It calls us to examine our own hearts and communities: Are there ways in which we are allowing divisions to arise? Are we focusing more on human leaders than on Jesus?
The message here is not just about avoiding division, but about cultivating unity in Christ. It’s a call to recognize and celebrate our common faith and purpose in Jesus, rather than allowing differences to divide us. This unity is not about uniformity in thought or practice, but about a shared commitment to Christ as our foundation. In Him, we find the strength to bridge differences and work together for the advancement of God’s kingdom.
Time to reflect
- Reflect on your own attitudes towards different Christian leaders or denominations, seeking to foster a spirit of unity.
- Engage in dialogue with believers from different backgrounds, learning from their perspectives.
- Participate in ecumenical events or services, which promote unity among different Christian groups.
- Pray for the unity of the Church worldwide, that all believers may be one in Christ.
- Resist the temptation to engage in divisive or partisan speech, especially on social media.
- Encourage your church community to focus on common beliefs and values, rather than differences.
- Study the Bible’s teachings on unity and diversity within the body of Christ.
Prayer Of The Day
Lord God, we come before You, recognizing our tendency towards division and partisanship. In a world that often emphasizes differences, help us to remember that in Christ, we are called to unity. Forgive us for the times we have allowed allegiance to human leaders to divide us. Teach us to see each other as fellow members of Your body, united in our shared faith in Jesus Christ. Help us to embrace diversity within the church as a strength, not a weakness. Guide us in building a community that reflects Your love, grace, and truth. May we always put Christ at the center of our lives, seeking to glorify Him in all that we do. Strengthen us to be ambassadors of reconciliation, bridging gaps and healing divisions. In all our interactions, may we exhibit the humility, love, and patience that comes from You. We pray for the unity of Your Church, that we may be a powerful witness to the world of Your transformative love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Strengthening Faith
- Commit to regular prayer for the unity and health of the global Church.
- Organize or attend a Bible study group that includes members from different Christian traditions.
- Actively seek to understand and appreciate the diverse expressions of faith within the Christian community.
- Volunteer for a service project that involves collaboration with other churches or Christian organizations.
- Write a blog post or social media update promoting unity and understanding among Christians.
- Invite a speaker from a different Christian tradition to share at your church or group.
- Be a peacemaker in situations of conflict, promoting dialogue and understanding.
Today Wisdom
In 1 Corinthians 3:4, we are reminded that our allegiance is first and foremost to Christ. As we strive for unity in the Church, let us celebrate our shared faith in Jesus, allowing His love and truth to guide us in overcoming divisions and building a strong, vibrant community of believers.
