Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

I think there is a problem with many Christian churches. Stay with me here. What is God’s purpose for the church? Based on His word, really sit down and think about what the body of Christ should look like and what churches are to be doing. Why are so many stagnant? Why are there so many manmade rules littered throughout some churches? Why do some churchgoers become so worried about the music, and if it’s the songs they want to hear, or if they think the music is too loud? Why are so many not serving? It at times seems as though many churchgoers are just trying to find a social club for themselves and their kids instead of teaching them to serve, worship, and follow Christ. Paul gave us some advice to follow regarding issues that started even during the early Church.

In 1 Corinthians 11:17, Paul begins to discuss an issue he sees developing in the church. “In the following directives, I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it.” Paul goes on to explain how they are misusing the Lord’s Supper. But we see similar divisions in churches today. Why? The number one reason is that people begin to be more concerned with themselves and what they want instead of following what God wants. The church body is to do God’s work. We cannot do that if there is bickering and division in the church. Jesus came and showed us the way. We should follow that and leave out our earthly ways and ideas. Many churches have formed a Sunday-only ministry where people show up on Sundays but then live the rest of the week as a nonbeliever, without living for Christ.  

God has given each of us specific gifts to use for His glory. We are to use these and make disciples of others and multiply. “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different types of service, but the same Lord.”  Don’t be a Sunday Christian and don’t bog your church down in manmade laws and pointless bickering that takes the focus away from the Good News! Use your gifts to serve and live a life that God intended for us!

Pray: God, help me to set aside my own pursuits. Show me the gifts You've given me, and how I can use them to serve You and others.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.