Reflections on 1 Corinthians 11:19
“No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval.” (1 Corinthians 11:19, NIV)
“But I suppose you feel this is necessary so that you who are always right will become known and recognized!” (Living Bible)
Some mornings a verse surprises me. Paul has just said he hears there are divisions among the Corinthian believers, and then he says something that sounds almost like permission: there must be divisions among you.
Translation after translation says it plainly. Knox speaks of those who are “true metal.” The TEV says the ones in the right may be clearly seen. Then I came to the Living Bible, and it turned the whole thing around.
Which Is It?
Is Paul saying the factions come from the ego of strong-minded believers, each collecting followers so they can stand out from the rest? Or is he saying divisions are a natural outcome, something to be expected as people’s heart convictions draw others of like heart together?
I believe Paul had a real insight here, and it is too important to toss aside as sarcasm. Divisions are to be expected, not because of pride or selfish hearts wanting followers, but because like hearts are drawn together. When they meet, they enjoy conversation shared freely at the level of their own spiritual maturity. They become sounding boards for one another’s newly formed thoughts, trusting the integrity and understanding of those they share with.
That is a good thing. To gather with others of like mind, for the purpose of stirring the heart and mind toward God, is a worthwhile pursuit. Every member, at every level, needs such a group: an open group where they can be fed, share freely, and be valued for what they understand.
Iron Sharpens Iron
There is a natural reason for this. Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). A mind is honed against a mind of similar strength; you cannot sharpen your thinking on a mind less capable than your own. Strength of mind and intellect are gifts from God, given to be used in His service, and we naturally form our closest relationships around those we can share with, who bless us as we bless them. That is not exclusiveness. It is simply how communities and life actually work.
Picture a third grader sitting in on a college course discussion, thinking he can contribute. He is not lesser for being there; he simply cannot yet sharpen or be sharpened in that room. I have been in rooms where the minds around me towered over mine and I could barely follow along. I kept my mouth shut and soaked it in like a sponge, and I came away richer. There is snobbery on both sides of this. Those with a strong intellect must not look down on others, and those without it need to accept that God gives each of us different gifts, and this may not be one of ours. Paul says as much in the very next chapter: there are different gifts, but the same Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4).
Someone Further Down the Road
But every group also needs someone a little further down the road. A circle of young believers left to itself tends to stay where it is. It needs a stronger, more mature believer to nurture it and draw it toward more beneficial things. That kind of mentoring seems to have been missing in the young church at Corinth, and the camps were becoming exclusive and hostile toward one another.
When the Focus Moves
People gathering with others of like heart is not the problem. The problem is the unsanctified, prideful, selfish heart that finds itself at an immature level and decides to settle in, put down roots and stay there, refusing to keep learning and growing.
Of course, as humans we want others to agree with us. So we use the power of our personality, persuasion and position to convince others to follow our lead. And slowly the focus moves. It is no longer on Christ, on building up His body, on our own growth and healing, or on blessing our fellow man with the glorious Truth of salvation, Love and Grace flowing freely from Christ. Instead it is about our pride, our fear of change, and our wanting to be in control.
This is not just Corinth. It is every society, every family circle. It is human nature, unhealed human nature.
Paul Had This
Paul needed to refocus his fledgling fellowship before they self-destructed and lost their peace and joy in this life, and their future glory with it. That work takes an understanding of people and of human nature, strongly developed, along with wisdom that comes from the heart of God and a great deal of patience. Mostly it takes Love, true love for people.
Paul had this.
And this is the work we are called to as well. We cannot bless people if we do not know them, and we will not know them if we have no interest in who they are. Where are they on the road? What can they receive today? Who is walking beside them? The answers begin with caring enough to ask.
