Holy Division
In the year 325, the early church faced a moment of crisis. A popular teacher named Arius was claiming that Jesus, though special, was not fully God—just a created being. His ideas spread quickly and caused deep division in churches across the Roman Empire. To settle the matter, leaders from all over the Christian world gathered in the city of Nicaea. These were not just ivory tower theologians—many bore scars from recent persecution. The debates were intense, but the core issue was sacred: who is Jesus, really? In the end, Arius' teaching was rejected and the Nicene Creed was written, boldly declaring that Jesus is “God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God.” That moment of painful division helped the church affirm what mattered most. It wasn’t about being right—it was about being faithful to who Jesus truly is.
1 Corinthians 11:17-34
Paul writes to a church that had turned something sacred—the Lord’s Supper—into a display of selfishness. Some were feasting early while others went hungry. Rich believers ate in private, while the poor were left out. Instead of remembering Jesus together, they were divided. Paul doesn’t hide his disappointment: “There are divisions among you,” he says, “and I believe it.” But then he adds, “There have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval.” Paul isn't celebrating conflict, but he is reminding them that when the church forgets its purpose, moments of tension should happen to reveal who’s truly centered on Christ. Sometimes, standing apart from what’s popular—even inside the church—is how we stay close to Christ.
Things to Ponder
Are there small ways we might be tempted to treat sacred things casually?
Can you think of a time when someone stood up for what’s right, even when others didn’t?
How do we know when it’s time to speak up—or stay quiet?
How can we disagree within the church without being disagreeable?
Application Challenge
Unity is a cornerstone of a healthy church, but there are also times when staying silent would mean letting confusion or compromise grow. Oftentimes a large conflict is actually a result of a smaller conflict that wasn't dealt with appropriately at the time.
This week, let's aim for unity, but when we spot conflict, let's prayerfully and humbly approach the situation. In this way we recognize that when we handle conflict in a spirit of mutual love and respect, conflict can actually be a tool to bring us all in line with the teachings and mission of Christ.
Prayer Prompt
Jesus, help us remember that You bring us together—not just to be near each other, but to be close to You. When we face moments where we need to stand apart, give us wisdom and love. Help us treat Your truth with reverence and Your people with an abiding love, even when we face conflict. In Jesus’ name, Amen.