By Association 27 January 2008

By Association
Epiphany 3
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
27 January 2008

I have friend who likes to quote the aphorism, “You are known by the company you keep.” It is certainly the case that when people are forming judgments about us and they do not have time enough to get to know us personally, they often make assumptions on the basis of those with whom we associate. Scholars are known by where they studied and whom they footnote. Politicians are known by party affiliation and by who endorses them. Entrepreneurs are known by their brand and by their franchise. But Christians, how are they known?

The selection from 1 Corinthians 1 demonstrates how confusing it can actually be for Christians who are seeking to be known by association. In the midst of a conflicted and chaotic community, Corinthians were choosing sides and dropping names. Some chose Peter, some Paul, and others Apollos. No doubt as the founder of the church at Corinth, Paul had a substantial following among the members of the church. But rather than himself being sucked into the fray of competing allegiances, Paul reminded the church that Christ is not divided and that any messenger’s gift pales in comparison to the unity we experience through Christ’s cross.

In the 21st century, foolishness still abounds in the Christian world, as denominations and individuals fight for market share. We are apt to invoke the name of our church or our pastor to settle an argument or to gain entry into a particular club or clique. As much as ever, we need to be reminded again that our principal associate and advocate, our only entry point to abundant and eternal life is Christ. Who baptized us matters not so much. Into whose name we were baptized means a lot more.

Sing “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me”

Let us pray:
Christ our Hope, we invoke your presence and your name asking you that you would enable us, our congregations, and all who call upon you to experience the manifestation of Christian unity in the bond of peace. Bind us together in love. Season us in faithfulness. Grant that we might keep before us the reality of your cross, living, speaking, and acting as one body. May we be known for having kept company with you, we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.