Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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CHURCH - THE BODY OF CHRIST

1 Corinthians 1:10-17

V10  I appeal to you...by the  name of our Lord Jesus Christ that all of you agree, and that there will be no divisions among you but that you be united in the same mind and judgement.

               Can  we pursue Christ-centered unity ? When we study the gospel portions, we  see that  unity  in the Church was one of Jesus'  prayers. In John 21, Jesus prayed “…that  they may all be one, just as you Father, are in me and I in you, that  they also be in us ,so that the world may believe that you sent me”.  Do we have the mind of Christ regarding the unity  among the believers?

               Apostle Paul in this text is giving a call to put aside selfish pride in order to pursue unity among brethren.  Body of Christ, who are the believers, are called to act  like Christ to engage in unity which is deeper than just superficial emotions. Unity is not a mere adjustment to tolerate one another's differences.   As members of the body of Christ, we must pursue unity of words, thinking, and even opinion. So true unity described in the  scripture is deep, costly and fruitful.

                Paul is exhorting the Corinthian church with the authority of Jesus Christ, who is the head of the Church. Since we are sustained and called into the fellowship by Christ, our obligation to stay united is necessary.  Total agreement in everything may seem dull by some. Some others may find even the smallest of reasons to create a difference of opinion. But we have to understand that God would not agree to that.

The Trinity is an example of unity for the Christian. The Father, Son, and the Holy spirit are in total agreement and are perfectly one in substance. If we like division, we do not have the mind of Christ. So let us try to see Christ in one another, and honor one another's preferences, even yielding to one another, thus bringing true unity.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, help us to commit ourselves to the gospel, and focus ourselves to the mind of Christ in bringing about true unity.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
To be baptized into the name of Christ is to be under his authority and  be owned by him  - Christ minded and Christ-centered.

Dr. John K. Thomas Tabor MTC NY

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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