There seems to be a great deal of competition among church folks these days. Some of you might remember attending, or possibly even participating in a county fair. There would be contests to determine the best pickles and pies, and some had run-offs in about any kind of category. Oh, the rivalries in those events. Some were driven to try and take home the blue ribbon every year. Each season competitors would leave the fair dejected, vowing to do better next year, and to never speak again to the winner of their event.

Most of those who proudly brought their respective submission for judging, really failed to comprehend the major benefit of their efforts, it was to make the fair even more enjoyable. Those who attended benefited from the overall joyous atmosphere from all the events, grateful for all those who participated.

The work of the Lord is somewhat similar. Though we each play an individual role in the ministry, the part we play is integral to that of the whole. The voice of a member in the choir may not be discerned from that of all the others, but its addition greatly enhances the overall presentation. As each choir member does his or her part, the result is not attention given to them as a member, but on the blessing of the whole choir. Remembering that simple truth in each of our areas of service will make our churches much healthier.

Paul learned of some things that were causing divisions in the church at Corinth. Knowing how deadly schisms can be to a church body, he addressed his concerns in his letter. Paul wrote in…

1 Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

There were folks taking sides in the church in Corinth. Some were rallying behind Paul, choosing to believe that anything he said or did was preferable, and showing contempt on anyone not in their group. Others followed the words and works of Apollos the great orator. If Apollos said it, it must be right, therefore, anything else is wrong.

Paul wisely reminded them to remember the larger picture. The work is not theirs; it is of God. Both Paul and Apollos were in the work for the same cause, to promote Christ. While they are fighting over which group is ‘right,’ the real work was being derailed.

Paul and Apollos were one in their efforts. Each church member should be one with each other, focusing not on petty differences, but on the unified goal of reaching the lost for Christ, and building each other to be strong in Christ.

Let’s keep our eyes on Christ, and share His love for one another, not get into competition to see who can outdo the other. The work of Christ has sufficient room for all.