FACTIONS VS. CLIQUES
I Corinthians 11:17-19
"Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved by you may be recognized among you."
There is a difference between a clique and a faction. Cliques are a natural grouping of people who are comfortable together. They do not by design exclude anyone but are attracted to each other by their common interest, psychological make-up, experiences, and world-views. Birds of a feather flock together. In fact, I believe that God allowed all different kinds of congregations to accommodate various types of personalties. Some churches are quiet and some are loud. Some are liturgical and some free-style worship. But factions are different. Their commonality is discontent. They cause division because they see themselves as better than others – more holy, more righteous, more right. They denigrate and exclude other people who do not agree with them. If they do not "approve" of something, it must be wrong. They demand that their way is "recognized" as the only way. The law of Christ is love; divisive people do not live in love.
TODAY'S THOUGHT: Factions divide the Body of Christ by their demand to be in control.
Have a "love" day. Love you.
I Corinthians 11:17-19
"Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved by you may be recognized among you."
There is a difference between a clique and a faction. Cliques are a natural grouping of people who are comfortable together. They do not by design exclude anyone but are attracted to each other by their common interest, psychological make-up, experiences, and world-views. Birds of a feather flock together. In fact, I believe that God allowed all different kinds of congregations to accommodate various types of personalties. Some churches are quiet and some are loud. Some are liturgical and some free-style worship. But factions are different. Their commonality is discontent. They cause division because they see themselves as better than others – more holy, more righteous, more right. They denigrate and exclude other people who do not agree with them. If they do not "approve" of something, it must be wrong. They demand that their way is "recognized" as the only way. The law of Christ is love; divisive people do not live in love.
TODAY'S THOUGHT: Factions divide the Body of Christ by their demand to be in control.
Have a "love" day. Love you.
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