Together - Daily DevotionalSample

Harmful Meetings of Division

Reading: 1 Cor.11:17-23

Key Verse: “I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good” v.17

Reality and honesty lead us to confess that as yet the church is not all that Jesus is building it to be. Scandal, hypocrisy and divisiveness are sometimes so present in the modern worldwide church as to humble us with shame.  May we instead remain faithful to Jesus intention of creating a pure church without blame or guilt.

However, it can be instructive to look at problems in the church so we can be forewarned and avoid any potential difficulties.  Even in the NT times of great blessing there were issues which could tear churches apart and destroy their reputations.  In today’s passage Paul focuses on troubles amongst the called out ones in Corinth. He makes this damming statement: “your meetings do more harm than good.” The church was riven with divisions based on individual preference and personal status.  No one seemed to consider other people but were determined to simply pursue self interest and self promotion.

We need to remember that Jesus died to establish an EKKLESIA of called out ones who would function together, not just assemble as strangers in the same place for a while. May our church together be full of people who truly care for one another.

Prayer: Jesus may Your church be pure and may I be one who brings unity and genuine care for one another so our meetings together are uplifting