COFFEE, CARPET, AND CHRIST 

Mechelle Holbrook 

Today’s Scripture: “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” 1 Corinthians 1:10, ESV 

Theme: We must make every effort to be united because our loyalty to Jesus Christ and our love for one another is a testament to the world. 

THE SIMPLICITY OF FRIENDSHIP 

Do you remember elementary school, walking up to someone and simply asking, “Will you be my friend?” 

I remember when my daughter Jordan was little. Whether she was at school, church, or the park, she would walk right up to another child and ask if they wanted to be her friend. It was the sweetest thing. She genuinely loved people and was naturally kind and welcoming. She didn’t see differences, status, or reasons to compete. She was simply living life the way God intended, in unity with others. 

FROM PLAYGROUND FRIENDS TO CHURCH FIGHTS 

Fast forward to middle school and high school, and it’s often a different story. Somewhere along the way, that innocence gets lost. Differences become divisions. People begin separating themselves over clothes, shoes, popularity, and social status. 

Then we grow up, and those same divisions show up in our families, workplaces, and—dare I say it—even in our churches. The very place where Christ should shine the brightest can sometimes become a place of disagreement and division. 

How many stories have you heard of God’s people arguing over the color of the carpet, the Kids or Student Camp budgets, the taste of the coffee, the temperature of the building, whether the service is too long or too short, the music too loud or too somber, or even disagreements about the pastor? It sounds crazy when you see it written on paper, but it happens all the time. 

THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM 

That is exactly what was happening in today’s Scripture. The Corinthians were dividing themselves into camps over which minister they thought was the best. At the heart of it all was pride. They were taking Christ’s own servants and trying to turn them into rivals and competitors. 

In many ways, it feels like we’re right back in middle school. Yet Paul is appealing to the believers (yes, you heard that right, the believers!), asking them in the Name of Jesus Christ not to be divided, but to be united in mind and purpose. 

TEAM JESUS 

Here at The Cove, our heart is to stay united. That’s why we try to avoid letting personal preferences become points of division. We stand firmly on God’s Word and refuse to compromise our core value – We take the Bible Seriously. But things like carpet color or coffee preferences aren’t worth dividing over. Even some biblical interpretation disagreements are not worth allowing division! Those are the things we have heard our founding Pastor Mike Madding describe as disputable matters vs. Salvation issues.  

As followers of Christ, we are called to look different from the world around us. That can’t happen if we’re constantly divided. In verse 31, Paul reminds us that if we’re going to boast, our boast should be in the Lord alone. 

Make it Personal: Is there an area of your life where division or disunity has taken root? Is there a relationship in your family, workplace, or church where God may be calling you to pursue peace or reconciliation? As far as it depends on you, what step can you take this week to promote unity and point others toward Christ? 

Prayer: Our precious Lord, we often make life far more complicated than it needs to be. Help us live differently from the world around us. Everywhere we look, we see division, conflict, and pride, but You are greater than all of it. As followers of Christ, help us to be known for our love, humility, and unity. Let that work begin with us—in our homes, our workplaces, our friendships, and especially as we serve each other: Your people here at The Cove Church. May we seek Your glory above our own and remember that we are all part of one body with one purpose: to make much of Jesus. Amen. 

Read: Romans 12:14–21 

Weekly Memory Verse: “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:8-9, ESV