Division and Disagreement

I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose. // 1 Corinthians 1:10

I have never been one to jump into a conflict. Most of the time, I am strong in my convictions and intentional about my choices. Yet I avoid disagreements as much as I can.

At the heart of my avoidance is the recognition that I am not responsible for other people's choices or opinions. Which is not to say that I am reticent to share my own ideas. I would be a fairly poor author, podcaster, and speaker if I was unwilling to share my thoughts. But once those views are voiced, it is up to the individual to choose what to do with them.

I don't need to debate anyone.

The Second Reading today from Saint Paul’s letter to the Corinthians says we are to be “united in the same mind and in the same purpose.” The Apostles had little time to disagree or battle with others inside or outside their circle. They were instructed to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ to all the world with one voice. There was one message to be told in each of the Apostle's own words.

If people choose to accept that message—then praise be to God. But if they rejected the teaching, the Apostles were not instructed to sit and argue with the unbeliever until he or she was convinced.

When we take it upon ourselves to argue and disagree with others, it can open ourselves to the sin of pride. Pride turns our focus away from our own spiritual growth or mission to evangelize and leads us to be overly concerned with the thoughts and ideas of others.

Pride leads us towards division and disagreement, and division and disagreement are not of the Lord. So unite yourself to the Lord’s purpose. Do your part, speak your mind, share your life and witness, then let the Gospel message simmer in the lives of those who are yet unwilling to fully accept the truth.

Listen to today's audio devotion.