If a Christian is jealous or is quarrelling then they are not living by the Spirit. There is no difference between them and people of the world. They know nothing of the deep truths of God.
I didn’t say that, Paul did. He now comes back to the reason of his letter: the division and the reason why they are divided.
“Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly – mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarrelling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?” 1 Corinthians 3:1-3
When will division end in the Church? It will be when we get rid of jealousy and quarrelling!
Jealousy is a divider in the church
If the goal of your life is to be popular then you will battle jealousy. (When others are more popular than you).
If the goal of your life is to have the biggest church then you will battle jealousy. (When your church stops growing and the one across town increases rapidly).
If the goal of your life is to be separated from sinners then you will battle jealousy. (When God starts to manifestly love on the sinners with grace and favour).
If the goal of your life is to appear to be better than you really are then you will battle jealousy. (When you see others who are lesser than you being used by God equally as you).
If the goal of your life is to solely remain entrenched in an interpretation of Scripture then you will battle jealousy. (When something happens that challenges that interpretation that is promoted as being from God).
If the goal of your life is to be the only mouthpiece of God then you will battle Jealousy. (When God decides not to speak through you for a change).
Quarrelling is a divider in the church.
“The Pastor is not reading from the proper original Bible.” That was the phone conversation I got as a purist member of the church demanded that I make sure the King James Version was brought back. I tried to explain that we don’t actually have the original Bible but I think I made it worse!
I have heard many arguments as a Pastor. All of them sought to stain and stop what God was doing in the church, though those embroiled in the quarrelling would often think they were doing the will of God (jihadists think that too).
One truth the Church needs to hear is this: The argument isn’t worth it.
I said to one person who was in a fight with their Pastor, “Do you not realise the damage this is causing you? Even before we think of the people in the Church. If you carry on like this then you will die a sad, old, bitter person with bad memories.”
If you have woken up angry: Consider the battle you want to have.
Is it worth it?
You may think you can win but what will you lose by winning?
Make peace. Give up. Follow Jesus. Do what He did.
The battle is actually always to be a disciple.
Missions Paul 