I Corinthians 1:10
“Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
This is an interesting charge by Paul. He’s asking that they all agree. If misunderstood, it could seem like an impossible admonision. I’ve heard it said that if two people agree on everything, then one of them isn’t thinking. So, what is Paul asking? I did some searching and came up with a quote from Clarence Sexton about minor issues. ‘For the sake of evangelism and world missions, Sexton considered such things as the Bible text issue, dress, music, Calvinism, modes and candidates of baptism, and separation from the SBC as “non-essentials” that should not hinder fellowship.’ As we get deeper into I Corinthians we’ll learn what issues Paul considers essentials and non essentials.
On these essential issues Paul challenges us to be in complete unity. Here are the words and phrases he uses, “that you all agree”, “that there be no divisions among you” and “that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment”.
In our present day much divisions have arisen on the topic of politics. Most have learned to not bring up such things in mixed company. This is difficult for many as they can’t seem to help themselves. Which is unfortunate. They aren’t obeying Paul’s charge.
I have told those close to me that I won’t cause divisions with others on the matters of politics. This is generally speaking. However, I will do so when it comes to the gospel. Is that going against Paul? What I mean by that is I will share the gospel with all in whom I feel God prompts me to. People have separated from me for this reason. I’m ok with that. I was being obedient to God by sharing. I wouldn’t be obnoxious and keep sharing, but would honor their decision to not engage.
When it comes to believers, we are to be unified. I think of our small group. There are people there who I know disagree on some of the nonessentials. No one brings up those topics. We are all good. I think that’s what Paul is talking about.
Romans 16:17 says, “Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.” These are those who are contrary to Paul’s words. Years ago I had an individual who was in my small group and my mens group. He blew up both of them. There was no repairing the groups. He was a divisive person. Some groups can expel the person and still survive. That was not meant to be with those. God was doing something different. We joined what was to become our present small group.
There is a great quote that has been around for hundreds of years, “in essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, and in all things charity.” This contains great wisdom and love.
Thank You, Lord, for this admonition. Help us to be unified with those in the church on the essentials.