“…for where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, ‘I am of Paul,’ and another ‘I am of Apollos,’ are you not carnal?” – 1 Corinthians 3:3–4
Paul writes to believers in Corinth and tells them something they didn’t expect to hear: you’re acting spiritually immature. The church had splintered into cliques—groups who elevated certain teachers and looked down on others. Some proudly claimed Paul, others Apollos, and the result was envy, strife, and division. Instead of reflecting Christ, they were behaving like the world. Sectarianism—an excessive attachment to personalities or groups—was tearing apart the unity of the body. Paul’s words cut through the noise: when you follow men instead of Christ, you are walking in the flesh, not the Spirit.
Paul quickly dismantles the pedestal they placed him and Apollos on. He reminds them that they are merely servants—tools in the hands of God. Paul planted, Apollos watered, but only God gives the increase. No preacher, no church, no movement can produce spiritual growth. Only God can. The foundation of the church is not Paul, Apollos, or any human leader—it is Jesus Christ alone. Anything built on personalities, preferences, or pride will crumble. Only what is built on Christ will stand. Just as a farmer cannot force crops to grow, neither can a pastor force a church to flourish. Growth is always a miracle of God.
This truth reaches into our lives today. We live in a world full of labels, camps, and divisions—political, denominational, cultural. It’s easy to say, “I am of this group,” or “I am of that teacher,” and forget that all human foundations will burn. The only identity that matters is Christ. The only foundation that lasts is Christ. The only unity that glorifies God is found in Christ.
Does your life reflect envy, strife, or division? Are you building your identity on a political party, a denomination, a personality, or a preference? Those foundations will not last. Ask God to align your heart with the only foundation that stands—Jesus Christ. Let your life promote unity, humility, and Christ alone.
“The moment we begin to glory in men, we are already departing from the gospel.” — D. Martyn Lloyd‑Jones
surrendered devotions 