1 CORINTHIANS 1:10
Texarkana in the United States is a city named after three states – Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana. The two separate municipalities, Texarkana, Arkansas, and Texarkana, Texas, sometime function as one city. Their Post Office is the only U.S. post office situated in two states (Texas and Arkansas). It is also a city with two mayors.
The city of Texarkana has her own disputes arising from her being located in two states with each having its own state laws. Yet the city is known for its unity despite the line that divides it. Residents gather annually for a dinner held on State Line Avenue (the same area where the post office is located, which is the boundary between both states) to share a meal in celebration of their oneness as a community.
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians shows that unity was a problem at Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:10–13). They had been quarreling as a result of their loyalty to those who taught them about Jesus – Paul, Apollos, or Cephas (Peter). Paul called them all to oneness “in mind and judgement” (1 Corinthians 1:10), reminding them it was Christ who was crucified for them, not their spiritual mentors.
Some of us behave just like the Corinthians today. We sometimes oppose even those who share our singularly important belief – making them rivals instead of allies. Just as Christ Himself is not divided, we, as His earthly representatives – His body – must not allow differences over nonessentials to divide us. Instead, we should celebrate our oneness in Him.
“If a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” (Mark 3:25)
