November 19, 2021 KNOWING WHO IS APPROVED
1 Corinthians 11:19 “For there must also be factions among you, in order that those who are approved may become evident among you.”
Faction has the idea of dissention, contention, and conflict. If you are part of a family, a church, a social club, or employed, you know about factions. Often, in the holiday season when families try to get together, factions often arise for whatever the reason. (When you take time to look at what causes the factions, it is normally something that is not a big deal-almost insignificant on the grand scale of things.) This was true when members of the early church met together to share the Lord’s supper-there were factions within the group. However, factions can serve a purpose: it’s possible to go from factions to unity. That’s where you and I come in. God enables us to rise above the factions; to see the bigger picture; to see that the presence and the life of God brings about peace and unity. It is indeed freeing to realize that we do not have to join the faction! Our appeal for unity and peace is based on the unity and peace we have in Christ; Christ is not divided; and we are a part of His body. Simply put-factions should not be. In our work place, in our church, or wherever we hang out-there will very likely be some who are not believers; yet I believe that God can use us to be peace-makers. I understand that there are some basic differences in the beliefs of believers and non-believers, and there are some things that the two cannot agree on, but God will give us a response that opens the door for peace. For us, let us know that factions are a part of life; but also let us know that God can use us to speak the wisdom of God and the peace of God in the midst of factions. Let us rise above dissentions.
Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Romans 14:19 “So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.”
2 Corinthians 13:11 “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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