Church

CAPA Corner: Differences and Divisions

By  | 
    Differences can be a good thing. Divisions are usually not. Differences can be celebrated and even blended to make a better whole. I love the fact that we're all different within the church-sameness would be boring and unproductive. God uses our differences to reach a diverse world but, He chastises our divisions. 
    Division is very often directed by self-will. We see a way which seems right to us and belittle or bully anyone who doesn't follow. Division can and often does lead to death. Maybe not for the entire body but for a portion-and we become less because of it! In a letter to a Church in Corinth, the apostle Paul wrote, "… I hear that there are divisions among you when you meet as a church, and to some extent I believe it." I wonder had they even realized that this was their testimony before the world-division? Do we? 
    As Christians, we partake of a meal together that goes by various names. One such name is, "communion". It bears this name for this reason. It's a time when we come together as one body and commune with our Lord and each other! It unites us as a single entity which uses its many parts to impact the world. We lose a portion of our influence and weaken our witness when we are divided. 
    Be different, yes! But be One! Celebrate your oneness with the body at the Lord's Table as often as you can.
Dale Phillips
Comite Baptist Church
Related Items