Faith is not just about what we believe—it’s about how we live. As you work through these devotionals, my prayer is that you will grow stronger, stand firmer, and live bolder for Christ. No matter what comes, you can remain unshaken because your foundation is in Him. – John O’Malley
Below is an excerpt from Bro. John O’Malley’s book, Unshaken: Strengthening Your Faith. If you would like to read the book in its entirety, please click here.
1 Corinthians 1:10-13
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?”
Learn About It
Paul’s words to the Corinthians reveal a major issue in their church—division and factionalism. The believers were separating into groups based on who had taught them the gospel. Some were claiming loyalty to Paul, others to Apollos, some to Peter (Cephas), and another group even claimed Christ in an exclusive manner. This division was not doctrinal—all these men preached the same Christ. The problem was that people were letting personal preference and pride cause division in the church.
Paul makes a heartfelt plea in the name of Jesus that they should be unified in mind and judgment. This does not mean they must agree on every minor issue, but that they should have a shared purpose—Christ and His gospel.
The rhetorical questions in verse 13 are powerful: “Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” Paul redirects their focus to who truly matters—Jesus Christ. No human leader, no matter how gifted, should take the place of Christ as the central focus of the church.
Apply It to Me
Divisions in the church are still common today. While we may not claim allegiance to Paul or Apollos, we often let denominations, leadership styles, worship preferences, or minor doctrinal differences divide us.
• Do I allow personal preferences to create barriers between me and other believers?
• Am I more loyal to a pastor, a ministry style, or a church tradition than to Christ Himself?
• Do I seek unity in my church, or do I contribute to division by gossiping, criticizing, or refusing to work with others?
Unity in the church does not mean compromising truth, but it does mean keeping Christ at the center. Division comes when we focus on ourselves, our opinions, or our preferences more than on Jesus.
Talk to God About It
Heavenly Father, I desire to be a peacemaker in Your church. Forgive me for times when I have allowed my preferences, pride, or opinions to create division. Help me to seek unity, to build others up, and to keep my focus on Jesus, the true foundation of my faith. Teach me to encourage peace and harmony while remaining firm in Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Act on It
This week, take a step toward church unity. Reach out to someone with whom you have had disagreements or tensions and seek to encourage them in Christ. Pray for your church to remain focused on Jesus rather than personal differences.
John O’Malley
If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. O’Malley to let him know.