I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? 
1 Corinthians 1:10-13

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My mother was raised Episcopalian, and my father was Roman Catholic. When they wanted to send their boys to Catholic grammar school, they were required to be members of the church. Mom converted to Roman Catholicism. Since both religions had priests, masses, and sacraments, the transition went smoothly for her. She never argued with her Episcopalian relatives in front of us, but there was a distance between them that I never realized until well into my adulthood.

Her side of our extended family never talked about religion. There was a tacit agreement to keep our religious opinions to ourselves. Yet my Mom seemed to think that Episcopalians say they follow St. Paul while we follow the pope. 

In today’s scripture, Paul appeals to the church at Corinth to put aside squabbles about which teacher they follow, “agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you” (1 Corinthians 1:10)—and to be united in their pursuit of Christ. My family heeded the first part of his message by not talking about it, but Paul expects more, “that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” We were far from being united in mind and thought. But we had no quarrels. We did not pray together nor celebrate Easter or Christmas together. What could unite us?

People are people. And we people have been quarreling since Adam blamed Eve for offering him the forbidden fruit. So how, then, can we avoid things that stir up and divide our church? Is it possible to be united in mind and thought when disagreements breed disrespect? In his letter to the Colossians,  Paul’s advice for the individual is to “Set your minds on things above, not earthly things” (Colossians 3:2) and “Rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips” (Colossians 3:8), and  “put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:14). Although my family had differing theological views, we were united in our love for one another. 

Divisions and factions occur in every organization, including churches. Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:5, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” What mindset does Christ have? Love one another, for people are people.

Next Steps

Spend time reflecting on your mindset. How much do you reflect the heart and mind of Christ? How much do you reflect something else? What is it you are reflecting if it isn’t Christ? Consider ways you can reflect Christ more and show love even if you are “poked in the eye” by a fellow Christian who takes a doctrinal or political position that is deeply offensive to you.