No church ever escapes problems, struggles, disagreements or hurdles in this life and it is never more evident than today. Our culture has moved away from the Judeo-Christian heritage that at one time was the foundation for our society. Some of this has resulted in a very “me” oriented way of thinking and doing life. As a result, we find ourselves, like the Corinthians, dealing with the results of people coming to follow Christ who have had no background in the Bible or church attendance. This means there is a need to teach the Word with great love and patience to bring an end to confusion.
In chapter one of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, Paul starts out thanking God for the church and the testimony of Christ that is there. However, he addresses the reports that there are divisions in this thriving body. Verse 10 says: “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, but that you be united.” We know, as we follow the letter, that many things have caused hurt and disruption among them; so Paul goes about teaching them biblical truths to strengthen them. Their culture, like ours, had many pagans who had no background at all in knowing God’s Word and how to grow in their new found faith. Thus, Paul took his time and taught them as you would an infant teaching them little by little (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). Then, as they grew in strength, Paul worked to lay a foundation of Jesus Christ that this church could build upon it. So what does this model teach us as we deal with issues in our modern day fellowships?
When we see an area of weakness or struggle, it is so easy to criticize it. We may grumble or complain that we wish this or that would change, but do we do anything about it? I had a college professor who used to ask, “Are you part of the problem, or part of the solution?”. This is a good question. Paul saw problems in the church and did not want to see this fellowship that was growing come to ruins. In his case, he wrote letters to affirm what was good but also to correct areas of dispute. Of course, he had a position of authority as an Apostle, and we may say that as a church member we do not have that kind of ability to correct something. However, there are things we can do to help the body grow in unity and agreement as Paul desired for the body of believers.
If we see areas where there is something lacking, we can pray about it. This should be obvious, but we often forget what a powerful tool this is in the Lord. God has the wisdom, answers and guidance we need, so we must look to Him first. Jesus said in Matthew 17:20: “And He said to them, 'Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard see, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.’” Many problems are resolved as we take them before the Lord. He can change our hearts to see things differently or He can change and open doors that were closed. So prayer should be our first place to take our concerns.
Secondly, we must remember that we are a family, and families may have disagreements. When they do, we have many resources we can go to in seeking resolution. The Bible is our foundation for truth. This should be our first place to seek wisdom. Likewise, we need not be afraid to talk with those who are in authority…our pastors, our leaders or those directly involved in
an area of our concern. If we do not communicate, how will they know? In our fellowship with others, we are meant to grow. As Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Perhaps the area that is bothering us could be something designed to make us grow and not necessarily something to annoy us. By praying, reading the Word and talking with those in authority, we will find the answer and peace of heart.
Finally, seek the Lord as to how we may be used by Him to remedy the problem area. Would God have us teach a class, volunteer to help in some way or merely pray? How can we be a solution to an issue? Everyone is created in God’s image, but not everyone has the same gift, calling or personality that we do. There will be times we bump into each other but this is a chance to exercise grace. We need to make certain that we are not part of the problem or contributing to it but are part of God’s solution.
Paul sought to bring unity and not division to the church in Corinth. He did so with loving rebuke, encouragement and teaching. He prayed for them too. How will God use us to bring unity to the Body? May we be the peacemakers in our fellowships that God may get the glory! Selah!
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