MUSINGS ON CHRISTIAN HARMONY, #7: Fellowship differently

Based on Acts 16, it seems evident that the first Christians in Philippi included both a well-to-do businesswoman and a recently released servant girl (previously demon-possessed and treated like a carnival act by her masters). This type of socio-economic gap among believers was not unusual. Some Christians were servants and some were masters, and both rich and poor would commonly fellowship together (1 Timothy 6:2; Philemon 1:16).

In the Church, though, God expected those differences to be meaningless. Economic status had no bearing on spiritual status. Poor believers could literally boast about how God had elevated them to an equal status with anyone else, while rich believers were supposed to feel excited that they were nobody special among the congregation (James 1:9-10).

But rich folks were also responsible to see the needs of their brethren. “Whoever... sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” asked the apostle John (1 John 3:17). Unfortunately, this was inconsistently practiced. For example, when the local church at Corinth held a fellowship dinner of sorts, one was hungry while another was drunk (1 Corinthians 11:21), which implies that at least some were still abusing the privileges of wealth with no regard for others.

In our thoughts, these principles should extend to privileges and backgrounds of all types. Are you a CEO during the week? Big deal-- don’t act like one in the Church. Are you the lowest paid person at your part-time job? When among other Christians, your spiritual gift will make room for you. Are you recognized in the Church for your spiritual work of teaching, administration, or some other leadership role? Don’t become drunk with your status while others are hungry.

The key is this: We must fellowship differently. When Peter found it easier to eat only with people like himself, he had to be corrected (Galatians 2:12-14). We need the same reminder. When you are with other Christians during a meeting, a conference, a meal time, sit intentionally with people different from you. We have Christ in common! It glorifies God when the name of His Son is acknowledged as the basis of our practical fellowship.

Don’t do this to check off some spiritual box of achievement. Don't do it with a condescending attitude, showing kindness towards people you still think are beneath you. Do it because you want to display the deeply beautiful truth that you are neither more important nor less important than anyone else.

If you have received wealth or education or any other distinction in this world, don’t tell brothers or sisters, “Come now, be happy because we all have the same blessings,” while your actions expose a sense of disregard for their viewpoints or spiritual gifts. Fellowship differently. Fellowship with intention. Fellowship with God’s glory in view.