Diversity without Discord
By Teri Gasser
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” 1 Corinthians 1:10
“You can tie two Tomcats together by the tails and you’ll have union but not unity.” My husband, Bill, has used this illustration more times than I can count. Unfortunately, some churches resemble my husband’s analogy much too well. Differing factions hiss and claw for power. It’s always about who’s in charge.
I chuckle when I hear Christians wish they could be part of a first-century church. “Those believers knew how to get along. They took care of each other!” But they didn’t. Power struggle and discord plagued first-century believers, too. That’s why Paul had to send the letter today’s verse comes from.
Unity is difference without discord. We, as diverse individuals, come together agreeing that Jesus is King. His Word determines our standard, and just as He valued us over His own life, we commit to putting other’s interests before our own. Agreeing about these three things bonds our hearts, creating one mind—despite our differences.
This single-mindedness allows us to share various opinions with love and respect. We can focus on glorifying Christ instead of satisfying ourselves. Are we putting the glory of God and the interests of others above our own? Let’s strive for unity!
Like Ezra, Teri Gasser has a “heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes. . .” (Ezra 7:10, ESV). She’s been married over thirty years, has four grown children, and adores her grandchildren. Her passion is to see women transformed by truth. Teri Gasser serves as the Director of Women’s Bible Studies at Grace Baptist Church in Manhattan, Kansas. She’s also a pastor’s wife, Bible study leader, speaker, and writer. She hopes to have her first book published soon. Visit her online at Terigasser.com.
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