- Look to Christ
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you. – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Do the instructions in today’s verse sound impossible to you? All agree? No division? The political divide in the United States has become so great it is felt within families and churches. Sadly, politics is not the only source of conflict; some churches have split over something as simple as the color of the carpet. How can the Church at large maintain spiritual unity? An old song by author and composer Helen H. Lemmel says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will go strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”
Turn your eyes on Jesus. He focused on the Father and whatever the Father did, Jesus did (John 5:19). Jesus said in the garden, “Not my will but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). He healed, delivered, fed, taught, and discipled others. He stood for the truth when it was not popular and kept His integrity despite opposition. Jesus prayed all night. He extended compassion toward others. He humbly washed His disciples’ feet and encouraged them to serve each other in the same way. Jesus gave His life in submission to the Father.
Hearts that are set on worshiping God attain unity by becoming more like Jesus. Souls that seek God’s face, honor who He is, and humbly submit to His will find it easier to be in harmony with each other. As you intercede for the nation, pray that citizens and officials in positions of authority turn their eyes upon Jesus. People walking toward the same goal draw closer together.
Today’s Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Romans 12:1-8
12 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
