Daily Devotion

“Speaking plainly we hope to see, in the near future, a united Christian Church without any denominational distinctions. ... Speaking generally, denominationalism has never interested the Chinese mind. He finds no delight in it, but sometimes he suffers for it! ... China, with all her imperfections, is a country that loves unity both in national and family life.”

Cheng Jingyi · Address at the World Missionary Conference, Edinburgh, 21 June 1910 (Report of Commission VIII, Discussion)

Scripture

1 Corinthians 1:12-13 This means that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” “I belong to Apollos,” “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in Paul’s name?

Reflection

Paul's rebuke of the factional strife within the Corinthian church, and Pastor Cheng Jingyi's poignant cry against denominational division, still resonate deeply after a millennium. We often unconsciously place denominational labels, theological preferences, or church traditions upon the cross of Christ. However, man-made walls do not bring spiritual richness; instead, they obscure the essence of the gospel. Just as Christ was never divided, only the name of Jesus can save us. Today, we should turn back and examine whether our faith is tainted by denominational pride and prejudice. Only by setting aside unnecessary divisions and accepting one another in the love and truth of Christ can we reveal to the world the unbroken essence of Christ.