Devotional Messages

Unity in Christ

Again in our reading from 1 Corinthians we find Paul referring to the believer's tendency to elevate and take pride in different people. In order to show the innate stupidity of taking pride in one man above another, he points out that anything given to us, is given by God: "Who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you did not?" (v.7).

The Corinthians may have had something to boast about, by worldy standards, but it is the Christian understanding that worldy standards are incorrect. It is the Christian who understands that all humans, in themselves are sinners, and for all the purposes that they were created for: worthless. It is only through God that gifts are given: where one recieves preaching abiliy another may receive discipline; while one may learn and apply God's word easily, another may be given the gift of wisdom; where one may be made for leading others, another may be made for following.

Similarly, it is only through God that any one believer can deal with any particular sin in their life: it is God who gives one discipline in prayer and Bible Study, but another overflowing love; it is God who aids one in their stuggle with lust, and another with greed; it is God who gives self control to one and a godly perspective to another. It is God who empowers all believers with gifts and ability to fight sin: so why take pride in our own or another's gifts and abilities?

Again, since it is God who provides the difference in our lives, why do we insist on judging others as if we were better than them? I know I do this, it is a place of great weakness for me. No, as Paul said in the beginning of this chapter, leave the judging to God - He will judge the motives of men's hearts, bringing the dark to light.

So it remains for the believer to encourage their Christian brothers and sisters: we are all sinners alike, not one above the other; and we all need prayer and encouragement, as we all have issues that we struggle with or areas where we need God's strength. We are a fallen race, but as believers, our common faith in Christ should unite us to support each other in the daily struggle to glorify Him.

Praise God for the areas that He has worked in, in your life, thanking Him for the gifts and abilities He has given you; and pray for other Christians you know, that God's strength will be with them in their areas of struggle and that you would support them, putting them before yourself.