May 21 Things that Do Not Mix 1 Corinthians 3:3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” (1 Corinthians 3:3)
Chaos, disharmony, strife and a host of challenges are prevalent in our present-day world! Selfishness, envy and anger seem to be the behaviors that are the norm. Sadly, these same behaviors and attitudes have penetrated the church environment. I remember my dear Mama telling me that “some things just do not mix!” Oil and water do not mix! Love and hate do not mix! Paul was explaining to the Corinthian church that unity was not a “Man-Made” behavior! He was pointing out that their lack of “unity” was a result of their lack of “Relationship” with Jesus! Every time that there is an opportunity for disunity, you can count on there being more emphasis on “Me” rather than on “HE!” Immaturity in our relationship with Christ will always result in the “Me” versus the “HE!” Paul and Apollos were demonstrating, by words and actions, the need to be “Servants” and to exercise a “Servant’s Heart!” When we are focused on service to our Savior, it leaves NO ROOM for the SELFISHNESS of IMMATURITY and will always result in “UNITY!” The “UNITY” of the FELLOWSHIP requires a Proper Relationship with Jesus Christ, PERIOD! Listen, in everything that you do, Relationship is KEY! Unity comes when we, as “Born-Again” Believers, submit our will, our ego, and our agenda to the Lordship of our Savior, Jesus Christ! Paul pegged the problem when he stated, with confidence … “for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” The Fact is Clear… A Strong and Growing Relationship with Jesus is REQUIRED for UNITY to occur! UNITY within our being, with the Savior, and UNITY within the FELLOWSHIP of FELLOW BELIEVERS, is required for unity to occur! What God Does with You is Entirely Up To YOU! It Always Has and It Always Will! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!