City Life Starter

The Word: (I Corinthians 11: 17-22)

17 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, 19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. 21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.

By Blesson C Selvanesan

The church at Corinth is like a type of study for us to learn. They made all possible mistakes, fortunately for them, Paul was still around to correct them. The church was (and is) a place of not just worship but also fellowship. The early church ‘broke bread’ at every meeting clearly telling us that they had a meal after their worship. Eating together then and now is a sign of friendship and love. This was strongly encouraged in the early church. However, in Corinth, believers had their own little clubs within their church. They came together in the name of Lord’s supper but did exactly the opposite of what they were supposed to do. Instead of uniting around the table in fellowship, they were divided around the table. Most likely, they rich got drunk and filled their belly but the poor starved. It became a venue for showing off one’s wealth and place to humiliate the poor.

Application: Many churches today are a lot similar to Corinthian church with many small groups indulging in things that are not just unfair but also unethical. The church should be a place that unites people. Shamefully there are places where ‘believers’ indulge in such groups and discrimination. Sadly, the United States has its fair share of such churches. Division based on skin color, ethnicity, education, social status, financial status, political views and so on. The church is a place that transcends all such barriers. Church leaders should have the wisdom to immediately stop any such activity that divides people just like Paul rebuked Corinthian church.

Fortunately, there are many churches and fellowships that transcend all these differences. Although its hard to find, you will find them. When we first moved to Houston, for 8 weeks we went to eight different churches. In some places, we felt totally strange and out of place. In some places, it was very clear that there was a kind of elitism right from the parking lot. I was talking to someone recently about a church and he told me that ‘you will not be respected in that church unless you own a Benz or BMW!’. Jesus died for everyone and He loves everyone. It’s shameful and sinful for people who claim to be a follower of Christ to create any such divisions within a church.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you Lord for this day. Help us to be a source of blessing to others. Help me to respect others in spite of all our differences. Help me to stand up for people who are unfairly targeted or disrespected. Help us to make a difference and love one another. In Jesus Name. Amen.