1 Corinthians 1:10–12 (ESV)
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. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”
One of the tricky things about Christianity is that the subject is, in its totality, beyond human comprehension. Therefore, we can’t possibly agree on everything.
But some folks have trouble accepting that. They want to make sure that everyone understands “correct” doctrine. Some doctrines are essential to the faith—and those doctrines are worth insisting on—but a great many are the subject of serious, honest debate among scholars.
A good rule to live by in this regard is, “No one has everything right.” Anyone who is always ready to argue the finer points of theology needs to check their ego at the door. Even the wisest of Christians simply do not have the brain power to fully understand many holy things.
Thus, even if it turns out that I’m not downright wrong on an issue, it’s still a safe bet that my understanding is less than complete. We should all recognize that even in the best of cases, our understanding is like a child’s understanding. That seems to be Jesus’s point in Matthew 18:2–4.
And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (ESV)
So, even though seeking correct doctrine is a good thing—we should always pursue truth—our pride gets in the way. This leads to division, and that is a stain on the church.
And do not miss the silliness of the examples in Verse 12. “I follow Apollos.” “I follow Cephas.”
Seriously? They embarrass the church with divisions over things like that?
We’re no better. We divide over the smallest things. Always be mindful of the fact that that division is costly, regardless of the topic. We’re supposed to be a light to the community. Let it shine.
So, always think twice when considering whether to challenge someone’s beliefs. This holds double for public exchanges. Many disagreements are actually misunderstandings or miscommunication.
It’s almost always better to chat with someone later than to confront them in public. If a disagreement merits serious debate, it shouldn’t be one-on-one. Seek the wisdom of others.
But, above all, be humble.
