“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? I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”

What a great question: Is Christ divided? When we look at the gospel of Jesus it is both simple and profound.

Jesus simplified all of the law and commandments into two: 1) Love the Lord, your God with all of your heart, all of your soul, all of your mind, and all of your strength. 2) Love your neighbor as yourself.

So profound and simple, yet difficult in its application. But we sinful humans like to make following Jesus complex, then be easy on ourselves in the application. Just because something is difficult does not mean it is not also good.

It is difficult to not quarrel with each other because each of us sees things from a different perspective. However, the best way to live is in unity around Jesus Christ. So we must be patient with our brothers and sisters, but also challenge them to a higher standard of living. This standard of living has nothing to do with how much money we make, but everything to do with the spiritual quality of our lives.

Just like back in Paul’s day, churchgoers today like to tout that they follow certain pastors. Some of these pastors seem to have rare or unique gifts. But the mere presence of a rare or unique gift does not make them a Christ-follower or “extra holy”.

Holiness is a gift from God to those who seek after him with all their hearts. And those who are truly used by God do not need to point out their spiritual gifts as rare or unique. Instead, they simply serve, love, and speak truth.

Lord, go before me and help me to be an instrument of your peace on this earth. A peace that does not always agree with a peace of this world. A peace that is faithful to God, our Father. Help me to look for the ways I can unify with my brothers and sisters. Help me to simply read the Bible and do what it says.