3. Gospel: Diverse views is the nature of every community

 WESLEY:

Of what nature this schism at Corinth was, is still more clearly determined (if anything can be more clear) by the words that immediately follow: "Now this I say," -- this is the schism of which I speak; you are divided into separate parties; some of you speaking in favor of one, some of another preacher, -- "Every one of you says," (verse 12,) " I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, and I of Cephas," or Peter. Who then does not see that the schism for which the Apostle here reproves the Corinthians is neither more nor less than the splitting into several parties, as they gave the preference to one or another preacher? And this species of schism there will be occasion to guard against in every religious community.

PRAYER:

Galations 3:28 “In Christ’s family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free,

male and female. Among us you are all equal. “

REFLECTION:

When Wesley speaks of a “species of schism” he speaks directly to the “nature” of our unity. Is our unity where we cherish the diverse consciousness of our community? Is our fellowships where we come to exchange our views in the fullness of “de colores”? Remember our walk to Emmaus. We are not expected to all walk the same path with our Lord Jesus. Our diverse views as well as our diverse sins is the greatest reflection of God’s grace at work in our lives. Here Wesley touches on the core truth of Galatians 3:28 - that we are not all equal because we all follow one view, one culture, one theology. We are all equal because we hold steady to the knowledge that we are connected in the body of Christ. And when those parties form within our family, as they must so that we may classify our ideas. Wesley speaks loudly that after exchange of ideas, let there be no division in our fellowship. Let Unity reign to the Glory of our Lord. I pray that you may find clarity and grace as to what species of schism you want to live with.

NEXT: 4. Gospel: Where is the coming together across our diverse consciences?