Working Together

In 1991, on a Los Angeles street, a young man driving a yugo was pulled over by the police causing immense affliction and intense abuse by the police officers who stopped him. A year later, the police officers who committed this heinous assault were acquitted by an all white jury causing an uprising and inciting a riot which became known as the Los Angeles city Riots.

                In the midst of all of this disruption to the city the media contacted the man who was abused by the police and asked him for his opinion concerning the city's dilemma. His response to the media became a statement which rang across the country. Many have mocked him, comedians have joked about it, and others have echoed his sentiment, “Why Can’t We All Just Get Along!”

                As I read this chapter of 1st Corinthian, I discover that in essence what Paul is saying to the church can all be summed up in the same seven words spoken by Rodney King some twelve (14) years ago, “Why Can’t We All Just Get Along!”

                This passage gives us much insight as well as instruction as it relates to the church working together. Division was a major problem in the church at Corinth. Each group followed its chosen human leader, exercised its gifts selfishly, and cared little for the health or ministry of the whole body.  Since there was division in the Corinthian church, Paul began with an emphasis on the oneness of the church. He pointed out four wonderful bonds of spiritual unity.  We confess the same Lord (vv. 1-3), We depend on the same God (vv. 4–6), We minister to the same body (vv. 7–11), and We have experienced the same baptism (vv. 12–13).   Paul explains the work of the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ as He bestows spiritual gifts upon the members.

 In this passage we are informed of how we should live our lives and walk before God. Paul shows us what it means to labor together. He further implicates the pivotal question, “Why Cant We All Just Get Along?”

                I want us to take a look at what the bible says we need to do to work as one unit. I want us to discover together the importance of unity and peace in the church.

                Paul suggests that in order for a church to move as one vessel it is necessary to:

      I.      Appreciate and Accept Our Differences (vs.4-11)

If the church is to be on one accord it is imperative that the members appreciate and accept that we are all in some way or another different from each other. We must appreciate difference not indifference. Some people however; don’t want to be on one accord. That’s why they keep mess going. They believe because they are different it gives them reason to be difficult. We all have:

1. Different Personalities

Some of us are soft spoken, some are loud, some are introvert others are extrovert. We all are different in some way. Our personalities are not always the same. Our obligation as believers is to appreciate others and accept their difference. Appreciate really means to respect and understand. What the bible is telling us is that everybody is not like you. Everybody ain’t you.

1. Different Talents

We must understand that we all have something different to contribute. Everybody has some kind of talent. Whether it is building, singing, writing, organizing, or making things nice. We all can’t do the same thing and since we know that, it should be easy to recognize that together our different talents make us whole. There is no sense in being upset because somebody does something that you can’t do; you ever stop to think maybe there is something you do that they can’t do. Appreciate the capabilities of others.

1. Different Methods

Because we are different it is necessary to understand that a lot of times we have a different method to do things. Because people don’t do things the way you would have done it does not mean they are automatically wrong, especially if they accomplish the mission. Maybe we don’t understand why we are doing it the way we are. There is usually more than one way to do things. Some of us refuse to accept the fact that others have the capability of thinking and resolving problems like they can. Some of us think because this is the way I learned it this is the only way it is. Many of us don’t know why it is we do some things the way we do them. We just believe if others don’t do things the way we do them they are wrong. (HAM ILLISTRATION). So, in order for us to move as one unit we must accept and appreciate one another’s differences.

Paul also teaches us that if we are going to work together:

   II.      Egos Must Be Erased

A.    No One is Bigger Than the Purpose

 In God’s house there is no place, no room for egos.  Egos keep us from seeing the big picture. Often this occurs because what we see and have is the what’s in it for me problem. Or how much I will be honored for it. The motive behind egoism is always a selfish motive and never for the upkeep and building of God’s Kingdom.  Therefore egos must be checked at the door.  Every member in the church is important.  Nobody has a monopoly on church movement, we all move.  Nobody has the best praise, we all give our best praise, and no one individual is the center of the church. Christ is the focus and the center of the church.  And if you are at church because of what you think you can get out of it you are in church for the wrong reason.  Each and every member is here to serve the church, Christ, God.  The church is not here to serve the members.

Our purpose is to witness Christ, bring others to Christ and build God’s Kingdom.  No one individual is bigger than that purpose.  Our purpose is not to see who has the best hat, who wears the best and latest fashion, who sings the best, determine who has been around the longest, tell the Pastor how to Pastor, But our purpose is to serve Christ.  By witnessing and bringing others in His presence.  Our purpose is to build His Kingdom, not our reputation, not our status, or our name. Our purpose is to build Gods Kingdom and Witness others to Christ.

1.  We All Need Each Other To Function

Those believers who possessed spectacular gifts looked down upon the others and thought them unimportant. Yet here Paul teaches that every member of the body is essential to the life, health, and growth of the church.

Hezekiah Walker has a song that says, “I need you, you need me.” This is true; we all need one another to survive. Our prayers together give us more power. Paul demonstrates to us the importance of each member in the body. Every member of the body adds character to the body. Each member is an asset to the next. The eyes enable the body to see what it hears, and hears what it sees. Every part works to aid and serve the body. When one member of the body becomes weak or ceases to function the body doesn’t quit. Each part becomes stronger. When the sight goes, the hearing gets keener. I tell you we need each other. Our unity testifies of God’s ability. When you suffer I suffer. When you hurt I hurt. The old folk used to say it like this, “together we stand divided we fall.” There is strength in our unity. The devil has no power against a church that has made up its mind to move together. He has no power against a church that has decided that come what may we’re in it together. We all need each other to build Gods Kingdom. We all need each other to support the testimony of the church.  (FIGURE SKATING ILLISTRATION)

                When the world sees you they see the church. They see what you say you believe. You are not alone we’re all in this together.

III.      Seek To Please God

There is no better service to be in then the service of the Lord. If you seek the glory of God rather than the glory of man your life will be so much better.

A.        Man Will Fail You

Let’s face it man will not always give you what you are looking for. Sometimes we forget. Sometimes we overlook one another. There are times we just don’t take notice.

B.        God Never Fails, Nor Forgets

C.        God Always Pays

If when you give the best of your service,

Telling the world that the savior is come;

Be not dismayed when men don’t believe you;

He understands; He’ll say, well done.

Oh, when I come to the end of my journey,

Weary of life and the battle is won;

Carrying the staff and cross of redemption,

He’ll understand, and say Well done!!