DAY 63: The Church in Action

Read: I Corinthians 1:1-17

Think: Paul opens his first letter to the Corinthian church with a very clear statement: “…to you who have been called by God to be His own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus…” After that short greeting, Paul wastes no time and quickly makes an appeal to the church: “…live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” Doing and being “the church” has (apparently) always been difficult. Different personalities, different spiritual gifts, and different backgrounds exist within every church, therefore Paul’s appeal to the brothers and sisters in Corinth continues to speak to every church in every century! To be an effective “agent of change” within a community, church members must be united in following Christ (not people or factions).

Act: As we will discover over the next six weeks, the Corinthian church is a typical church! Therefore, Paul is laying a foundation for the church (past and present), reminding us all that we are not our own! Instead, the church is Christ’s body on earth called to (1) live in unity and harmony, (2) tell His story, and (3) bring Him glory. Take an inventory of your church-going experience. Perhaps you have encountered something similar to the Corinthian church? Today, allow Paul’s words to give you a renewed and biblical perspective on how the church, at its best, is to act! 

Pray: Dear Lord, I see how important both unity and harmony are to the success of our church. Show me if there is any divisiveness in me. Remind me daily to surrender my life, my desires, and my will to You.  Bless our church, Lord. Help us to be united in thought and purpose. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Be full of faith today!