For All Things Are Yours. –

• So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours. –

• 1 Corinthians 3:21

Paul describes a situation in the early church that resembles the denominational church today. They argued about what preacher they were following—Apollos, Paul, or Cephas. Paul pointed out that they were behaving as merely human and not truly spiritual people. Each minister did his part, which Paul compares to some planting and some watering. The main thing is that believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, worshiping one God through the redemptive work of Christ. Paul said not to boast about which man they followed because they are all there to help you follow Jesus. “All are yours, and you are of Christ’s, and Christ is God’s” (1 Corinthians 3:22-23).

Some have turned away from a denominational church and then, in a sense, created a denomination of non-denominationalism. Unity is an important issue. Relationships are a challenge even when a group of believers agrees on every point of doctrine. Even Paul and Barnabas had an argument so sharp they ended up serving God separately (Acts 15:35-41). To the Philippians, Paul said that though some people preached with wrong motives, he still rejoiced because Christ was preached (Philippians 1:18). Despite doctrinal differences, God’s people are called to love each other and treat each other with respect.

Believers, and the people of the United States as a whole, must realize that disagreeing with someone does not automatically mean you hate them. Pray for the unity of the Church. Pray that American citizens would turn to the Lord to learn to communicate with each other with loving and gracious attitudes and actions. Recommended for further reading: Ephesians 4:1-16