The Good of Agreeing together
Key verse to Read and Treasure
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree. And that there be no divisions among you. (I Corinthians 1:10,ESV)
For Insight
The Church at Corinth was a church divided over leaders. As it sometimes happens in congregational life, just as in family and marriage a tug of war for power takes control, people become divided over core values, goals, direction, and approaches. Paul recognized what we learn sooner or later: Christianity depends on faithfulness to Christ, not choosing one’s own agenda or ideas. How many times we need to give up our wants, our plans, our singular focuses to come to a place of mutual agreement and focus. In all important relationships, without unity or agreement and deciding on shared vision, goals are not met and there is no peace. In the end there is only division, resentment and fulfillment of Satan’s desires and purposes. Agreeing together is no easy feat and we cannot accomplish it without humble submission and putting Christ first and above all.
Think of the relationships you are part of presently. How many challenge you in this way? How many challenge you when it comes to being able to agree together and not be divided? What relationships are threadbare, wearing thin or stressed because agreement is non-existent? How is the absence of agreement keeping you from meeting or experiencing victories, blessings, peace, or joy? Have you tried many things or methods in order to experience agreement?
Where Christ is our center and head, we can find it in our heart to submit to one another. Through the Holy Spirit we can formulate a shared goal and way of working together. Christ brings a spirit of humility as well as unity. Without his help we cannot experience agreeing with one another but with his help we can enjoy agreement and the fruit of blessing.
Praying I Corinthians 1:10
Jesus, search those relationships I am part of and see if there is any division or the absence of agreement which keeps us from being or doing what you have planned for us to do or be. Bless us—in the church of family—to always cultivate an atmosphere of agreement so your purposes are always fulfilled, and your plans always carried out. Amen
Digging Deeper:
Devotionally Yours 