Episode 163: 1 Corinthians 4

Today's meditation is on 1 Corinthians Chapter 4

I am not a leader, but a servant of Christ, assigned to the ministry of reconciliation and explaining God’s mysteries. To that charge, I must be faithful and trustworthy. I am not the least bit concerned if I'm judged by others and how I might be evaluated by any human authority. I don’t even assume to be my own judge, even though my conscience is clear, that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide. He is the only judge I care about.

So I resist the temptation to pronounce premature judgement on anything before the appointed time when all will be fully revealed. I will wait until the Lord returns. For he will bring everything that is hidden in darkness to light, and unveil every secret motive of the heart. Then, when the whole truth is know, God will give each of us whatever praise is due.

I am not proud of one of my leaders at the expense of another. I don't have the right to make such a judgment. It would be futile to move beyond what is written in the God's Word and be inflated with self-importance by following and promoting one leader in competition with another. 

I have nothing that God hasn't given me in grace. And if everything I have is from God, why would I boast as though it were not a gift and I was someone special?

God has already provided me with everything I need. I am content -- even rich -- in him. I reign in God’s kingdom with Christ. Although to the world, I may seem like a spectacle at the end of the line.

I am a fool for Christ. The only wisdom I have is in him. By myself, I am weak, but in Christ I am made strong. I am ridiculed by the worldly, but in Christ, I am honored -- even celebrated. I work with my own hands to earn my living. When I am cursed, I respond with a blessing. I am patient with those who abuse me. I answer gently when I am slandered. Even if I am treated like the world’s garbage, in Christ I am valued.

I follow the example my spiritual leaders, imitating them as they imitate Christ. 

I will not fall into arrogance, giving pretentious speeches but allow God’s power to flow through me. For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power in love with a gentle spirit.

Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 

-----

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/beloved
License code: QWBH0HUY5UOQKUIF

• Likes
• Download12
• Share