1 Corinthians 1: For the Sake of Christ's Cross

Verse 10: 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.

◇ On the way to Jerusalem, where Jesus was to be crucified, the disciples argued among themselves. Who was the greatest among them? Who would be second in command after Jesus? It was a foolish dispute among those who didn't understand the purpose of going to Jerusalem. If they had known the reason, they wouldn't have engaged in such a senseless argument.

The believers in the Corinthian church were divided and fought against each other. Some claimed to follow Apollos, others Cephas, some Paul, and some Christ. They were identifying themselves with influential people in the community. Why did they insist on belonging to someone and create factions?

Perhaps they wanted to become leaders in the community? Maybe they wanted to be powerful, so they borrowed the names of influential people. Then, they gathered in groups since they couldn't do it alone.

Wasn't it the pride and desire for power of those who wanted to wield authority within their small community that created these factions? If they knew the purpose of the community formed through the cross of Jesus Christ, would they have created factions and conflicts? Would there be pride and desire for power in someone who thinks of Jesus, who carried the cross for them, and denies themselves to carry their own cross?

The purpose of the community created in Christ's name is as follows: "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power" (1 Corinthians 1:17).

It is to not make the cross of Christ in vain. It is not about fulfilling our desires, but about fulfilling the cross of Jesus, the salvation plan of God.

♧ Lord, help us to cast off pride and desire, and clothe ourselves with the cross of Jesus! Holy Spirit, lead us in truth!