Link to other
Writings of David Chadwell "Do you (plural) not know that you (plural)
are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man
destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy,
and that is what you (plural) are." (1 Corinthians 3:16, 17)
Paul’s first letter to the Christians in Corinth fascinates me for many reasons.
One reason is found in the fact that Paul chose congregational unity as the
first thing to address in this troubled congregation. In this congregation,
there was sexual immorality that not even idol worshippers permitted (5:1).
Christians attacked Christians in a court system that did not even know the
living God existed (6:1). Christians were not considerate of Christians who
disagreed with them (6:12-20). Christians disagreed concerning marriage issues
(7). They wrangled with each other over idolatry issues (8). They abused
communion (11:17-34). They abused spiritual gifts (12). They failed to
understand the importance of love among Christians (13). Their questions
concerning resurrection butchered the concept (15). With all these problems,
Paul addressed the problem of internal unity first (1:10-4:21)
If Christians are going to be a powerful, positive voice in their community,
they must practice the love expressed in unity. If unity exists, it exists
because Christian respect reigns, not because everyone is in agreement on
everything. Moral problems will not reign where such unity binds Christian to
Christian. The voice of inconsideration will not speak for Christians bound to
each other where such unity exists. Remembrance of our Lord’s sacrifice will not
be abused among Christians with the courage to embrace unity. God’s gifts will
not be exploited among Christians committed to God’s family in the spirit of
unity. Unity based on respect for each other found in God’s respect for us is
the foundation of godly behavior and spiritual eloquence. It is the voice that
must be heard and respected even by those who do not believe.
One of the strongest condemnations written by Paul was written in 1 Corinthians
3:17, "If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the
temple of God is holy, and that is what you are." When our anxieties seem to
justify an attack on unity, we need to take Paul’s warning to heart. We also
need to ready our answer to God for our course of action, for He surely will ask
us.
Perhaps a reason for Paul being so direct in this matter of congregational unity
is found in this truth: it takes a lot of courage and character to be a person
committed to God’s concept of unity. However, it also takes a lot of courage and
character to be a Christian. Not everyone shapes his or her life by a
resurrection that occurred 2000 years ago.
Link to other
Writings of David Chadwell
