“First of all, I hear that there are divisions among you when you meet as a church, and to some extent I believe it. But of course, there must be divisions among you so that those of you who are right will be recognized” (1 Corinthians 11:18-19).
So many outside the church believe that the purpose of organized religion is to fill God’s house with cloned Bible-toters. They expect to see congregants who stand and sit, sing and pray, kneel and testify in unison. Those trying to keep God at arm’s reach, envision suited men, dress-wearing women, clean, well-behaved children and senior saints resembling a cross between Betty Crocker and Mother Teresa.
Truth be told, the grandest, most alive churches are filled with a bunch of misfits. Wouldn’t you agree? People whose pasts are more colored than a rainbow. People who have personal relationships with a Creator who is very creative. People who think, speak and act based upon biblical truths, but even more so, through the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The divisions Paul spoke of were the birthmarks visible in the church family. Differences that evoke amazing testimonies. Differences that shout with individuality and oneness in Christ. Differences that allow today’s church to welcome so many people from so many walks of life.
This personalization of the Holy Spirit and the creativity of God will bring to the surface many differences among us. What do we do with those differences? Do we argue? Do we complain? Do we murmur, gripe or complain? Do we stand in awe? Do we learn a new way to worship, a new song to sing?
In thinking about the birthmarks of the church—what makes you stand out in the crowd? What makes you different? What makes you unique to the family of God?
Malinda Edgell
Illinois
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Shirley Jackson, WNAC Convention function coordinator.
