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 you look to more than Christ? In Him we’re made complete…
cchrisholland 
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
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You mention Christ’s Temperament. In studying the Myers-Briggs Temperament Index and contemplating our Savior, I have thought that the Trinity as neutral on all markers. God may love His little bipeds (as referenced in Screwtape), but He neither gains energy by our company or becomes drained by our presence. His ‘value system’ is based in Love, but His system is also based on His perfect Logic. What is interesting is that each of us are born with preferences. Thus, we have a temperament. I’m an INFJ, but to be more Christ-like, I need to fight against my preferences and meet people in the middle. INFJ males are rare with nearly 99% of the population thinking that I’m weird. The problem today is nobody is trying to meet you half way. Thanks for the post. It is well said, as usual.
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Very true. To be more like Christ, it often does involve “fighting against our preferences”; and that goes against the cultural shouting that every individual preference is sacred (except for the preference of considering scripture to be absolute truth). Thanks for reading and commenting!
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Reblogged this on Call 2 Witness.
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