Follow Jesus, Not a Man: Part 2

In 1858 Abraham Lincoln gave his house divided speech upon accepting the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. In that speech he quoted Mark 3:25, “And if a house divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand” (ESV). Lincoln was warning that America had to deal with the slavery issue otherwise the nation would split and fall. Lincoln's words would be prophetic as the nation would divide and be at war within a couple of years. Paul has a similar warning to the church in Corinth. Paul was concerned with divisions within the church. Paul was preaching unity to these early believers because of the worldly temptations they had, especially in Corinth. A city known for vast sexual immorality and other worldly vices. For these believers to stay true to Christ, they must stay unified. Paul asks three questions: Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? These three questions all drive the same point home: Is Jesus supreme in your faith? Paul’s warning hits home today. Am I allowing someone or something to take the place of supremacy in my faith? Maybe, we look at the church as a place that should serve me. We want to laugh and be entertained by the sermon, worship must hit the right way, and the gathering must be evaluated against our needs and wants. Believers are to gather to energize each other by learning God’s Word, being thankful, praising God, and using our gifts and talents to serve the church family. To build the kingdom properly there is no room for disunity, personal preferences, or personality conflicts. We as a church are a family and are to embrace all the responsibilities that go with it.

Is Christ divided? Does Jesus hold the top spot on your priorities for today? If not, what are you dividing Christ with? What needs to change to make Jesus top priority? Paul ends this section with how important the Gospel of Jesus is. We cannot have a close relationship with Jesus and be a consumer when it comes to the church. Reaching our family and friends that don’t know Jesus is very important. Let’s not let my personal preferences or apathy hinder the Gospel. Abraham Lincoln’s priorities were in the proper order, which made him a great leader that God used to help end slavery.

When we have the proper focus and priorities, our relationship with God is strong and builds unity in the church. What is dividing Jesus in your life?