Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.  (11) For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you.  (12) Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or  “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.”  (13) Is Christ divided?  Was Paul crucified for you?  Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?  (17) For Christ did not send me too baptize, but to preach, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul.  Specific questions had been sent to Paul about divisive issues and we learn more about Paul’s theology and the application of that theology.  It appears that a cult of personality had entered the the church at Corinth  Paul mentions three charismatic figures – who may or may not have been symbolic – of divisive cliques.  The faithful at Corinth were quarreling and dividing into groups with each party having its own leaders.  The Corinthians were proud people and boasting about their “special” leader was boasting about their cleverness in adhering to a particular leader – they are the best faction; the most pure;  the holiest, etc.

Paul’s position was, first of all, directed to “brothers” and not to adversaries.  He had authority to command that this behavior end but Paul chose to “plead” with the faithful.  He is saying that the Corinthians are not tearing each other apart but tearing up the body of Christ which is His church.  Is Christ divided?  Jesus does not belong to one group and at the center of his theology Paul always had Christ crucified and risen.  No man – except Christ, true man and true God – won salvation for the Corinthians and all of fallen man.  Paul’s focus was to preach the gospel of Christ, not to foster a cult of personal adulation.  The application of today’s reading is to remind us to follow the cross – keep your eyes on the goal, run the marathon, win the race.

When I read of the problems with unity in the church of Christ I always think of my dog who loved playing with tennis balls.  No matter what misdirection I used; no matter what fake throws i would make, Bob – the dog – would always keep his eyes on the ball.  Always.  And that is our take home for today.    Keep your eye on the ball.  Follow the cross.