The common bond between Christians of course is Christ. Yes, it’s an obvious truth, but often ignored in times of disagreement. In the early church, leadership challenges quickly emerged and the apostles were put to the test. Members of the fellowship were forming strong opinions about various ministers, and in the city of Corinth they were even dividing into groups. Paul firmly addressed the situation; however, before he penned the rebuke he wrote this:

“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9 NKJV

As believers, we’re called into a common fellowship with Christ because He is the one by whom we’re saved. Paul goes on to say in the verses following that there shouldn’t be divisions by people saying “I am of Paul” or “I am of Apollos”, etc. In today’s church life, the focus can also get centered on leaders more than Christ, but ultimately, the believer is called to be a disciple specifically of Christ and no other. There will be helpful people along the journey, but Christ alone will prove to be the flawless model, and in Him alone are we made complete (Col. 1:27-29).

Are you specifically looking to Christ as your model today? Is your pattern based on His temperament, His attitude, and His way of speaking? Or is it based on another follower who’s a closer match to you? In Him we’re made complete…