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So that…there be no divisions in the body of Christ
Yesterday’s “Feeding One Another” paints a beautiful picture of our God-designed harmony in the body regarding the gifts and their interactions within the body of Christ as they were designed to be – with a vivid image of the unseen power in the weaker, or more unpresentable parts, such as the little toe in relationship with the other toes. And how although this little toe appears to be only an afterthought – our balance is hampered when it is injured, thus undue stress is put upon the other toes. This analogy demonstrates as well the potential cause for division on both sides, as the more presentable parts may minimize or even deny the contribution made by the little toe, or the little toe may itself succumb to a jealousy for the public acclaim and appreciation given to his fellow toes. This is our carnal nature, which must be resisted.
When we see a “so that” we are being told that our Lord has just given us the building blocks for some important key truth, and we are now to “add it up”. Paul tells us at the outset that he wants us to “know the truth about the gifts”, which infers that a lot of untruths about this subject were circulating in the Corinthian church and causing havoc. As a preamble, he then reminds us of what we were like before we were given the Spirit of God, and immediately affirms the fact that it is only because of that indwelling spirit that we can know truth from error, and thus can confess “Jesus is Lord”.
He explains how that it is that very same Spirit of truth who is both the giver and the unifying source of the myriad types of individual gifts within the church – these gifts working together in the body of believers in same way as the members of our physical body. By mentioning the interdependent functions of the foot (and the little toe?), hand, ear, eye, and nose, the picture of a carefully designed interdependence and diversity within unity emerges – as does the reality that the body cannot function well without all of its members being in tune and working order
Having said that, we know that division happens within the Body of Christ. Strife happens. And, in the worst case, schism happens. So, does that mean that “division” is always wrong? It is here that we must turn to the “whole counsel” and seek out other references in the Word which deal with division, it’s causes, its cure – and those cases when we must endure division, for the truth of the gospel. But verse 25 is dealing only with the divisions caused by carnality—divisions caused by failure to recognize the God-given talents of others, or rivalries and jealousies. It is these temptations to division that we must resist by the giving of mutual respect and love for each other and each others gifts.
“So that…” in the final analysis – we in the body may be one, as He is one.
Caroline ,the thing that struck me most profoundly this morning was your statement “to know the truth”. In my job at school I try to get to the truth. Some times this is the most difficult part of my day. When our class has conflict each child has their version of the story, their truth. The real truth may be something between the two stories. I am so greatful that the Bible is God’s truth. That He has told us the way to have a relationship with Him. Also He has given us help to live with one another here on earth, our gifts. I have broken my little toe and I do appriciate the work it does. I truely appriciate the gifts other people have and use. I can’t do what they do so without them my life has a void. If you are not using your gift right now your choice effects those around you and the kingdom of God. God’s work here depends on us using our gifts. I know He can do it wothout us but God has choosen to use us. So USE YOUR GOD GIVEN GIFTS.
Thank you Caroline for the beautiful insight you shared with us.
It is amazing how much we gain when we share our gifts with one another. Every week Alan shares his gift of teaching us from the word of God. Rob shares with us the concern we should have for each other and for the world. Megan shares with us her gift of worship.
Recently God has allowed me to be on the receiving end of a silent gift. It is the gift of prayer. When I had my surgery many people were praying for me. God’s answer was a speedy recovery from my surgery. The doctor could not believe it. My recovery was twice as fast. Also I went through the surgery with God’s peace. It was the prayers of others on my behalf that brought about this miracle. No one saw these people praying but God and I am so thankful that they used their gift of prayer.
Great insight…I couldn’t agree more with your thoughts on the divisions within the body. As mentioned this last Sunday, sometimes things happen within the body that we don’t agree with: the hand grabs a Big Mac, the eyes look at lights that are too-bright, the feet make us run… We should always strive to resist the desire to criticize or fail to honor the decisions made by other ‘parts’ in the body. I think we need to trust that God gave them the roles they are serving because He trusts them to fulfill those roles. As Alan said last week:”Agree to disagree.” I am proud to be a part of a church that not only recognizes that God placed us in the roles we are serving, but that also supports His decisions.
Division, division, division. Sadly, that has been a recurring theme in almost every church I have been a member of. When will we learn that it is so totally opposed to God’s heart and His desire for us? I can’t remember Alan’s exact phrase last Sunday, but it went something like “We should be more concerned about right relationships than about being right.”
John, one of the Sons of Thunder, young and immature in his relationship with the Lord, wanted to call down fire on those who rejected Jesus teaching. John the fully matured saint says to us, “My little children… love one another.”
Caroline, thank you for your insights into this passage. Blessings.
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
– William Shakespeare
John 8:31-32 If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Lord help us to know and live the truth so that we will not divide but care for one another, serving with love. Amen
Bill, I am so appreciative of your thoughts, and I do share your distress! Aren’t we blessed that we have a church that is willing to discuss this subject of “division” honestly and openly so that we may learn to discern and handle it. In fact those churches which suppress the reality of “divisions” in a “Polly Anna” attitude, amazingly end up with even more division. Division because of our carnal nature hurts all of us, and we all feel the same way as you describe when our churches are ripped apart by divisions of jealousy and contention–but it happens, or else Paul wouldn’t have been writing this letter to the Corinthians warning them to check their motives, care for one another, and thus heal the body. Here he is talking about “carnal” motives for “division”, and if Paul had to deal with it in the Corinthian Church, so do we. Actually, by dealing with it honestly, we grow individually and as a body. In writing this piece I was torn by the need to go into those “divisions” which are NOT a sin, but which are predicted by Christ Himself in Matt. 10:34 and Luke 12:51, in which He tells us that the day will come when, in the defense of the gospel, we will face a “division” even from those nearest and dearest to us. But in dealing with the sinful divisions which are referred to in today’s key verse, we are preparing ourselves for the day when we will have to face the more serious divisions of standing firm for the truth of the Gospel.
Thanks Caroline…for your beautifully written insight into this verse – one that’s critical to the life of a healthy church. Thanks too for your years of service at BCC/CCC – you’ve always demonstrated a real pursuit of truth for yourself, your family, and those around you. Your history at CCC is actually a testament for your living out the central truth that you pointed out in this verse. Thank you Caroline – I’m/we’re fortunate to be in this with you.
Caroline, I have known you and of you and Atif for years, and I really appreciate your insight. I know Jesus is not a pastime for you, but an earnestly serious passion to you both, and that you have endured things that most American Christians have not. So I take what you say seriously.
I agree there are divisions that are not sin. Salvation divides. Just believing in Jesus separates us from those who don’t, and they may be people close to us, especially family.
My experience in church is that most of us are immature. We haven’t become Christ-like fully ourselves. I think we need to be very careful. My old, old church prided itself on “contending for the Faith.” One of my mentors described it better as merely being contentious. So I need to be right with Jesus, with my family, with my church relationships, and toward all people.
I keep returning to John, “My little children… love one another.” Even when Paul confronted heresy to its face the goal was always redemption, and ultimately peace. It has seemed to me, before now, that many churches have gone to great lengths to baptize a new Believer, but they would just as soon drown a “heretic” in Lake Lanier. We have got to leave that attitude behind.
Yes, CCC is exceptional. I am happy I am here. I am happy to serve. I am glad you and Atif are with us too. I love everyone at CCC that God has put in my way. Amazing. In the grace of Christ, we can make a real church this place.