Just Keep Serving
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.<o:p></o:p>
1 Corinthians 4:5
There were believers in Corinth who had become arrogant. They were proud of their new position in Christ. In the arrogance they claimed authority that was not theirs. Paul and the other apostles, but Paul especially, was degraded in their minds. In this chapter Paul lays all of that out.
Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have become kings—and that without us! How I wish that you really had become kings so that we might be kings with you! For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men. We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored!<o:p></o:p>
1 Corinthians 4:8-10
Two things are competing for my attention in this chapter. One is that the way of Christ will be difficult. To truly be a servant of Christ, and not expect to be served by Christ, will bring difficult days. It is not a cake walk! We need to battle against feelings of position and entitlement.
The second is not getting tied up in the perceived motivations of people. Way too much time can be used up trying to figure people out. Just move forward serving Jesus and wait for the Lord’s return. He will bring to light the darkness of men’s hearts. He will expose their motives and will judge them accordingly. To those who faithfully serve, they will receive their praise from God at that time.
Holy Father – find me faithful to Your cause and willing to serve regardless of the circumstances. You outweigh every other and are my motivation for life. I live for you today…<o:p></o:p>
