As Christians we are constantly being watched. I have to tell you that the word Christian is not a true meaning of who we are in Christ. Lots of people today call themselves Christians and do not live out their lives in a Christ-like way. We are servants of Christ and our lives will show it.
1-So look at Apollos and me as mere servants of Christ who have been put in charge of explaining God’s mysteries. 2-Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. 3-As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. 4-My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide. 5-So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.
Paul and Apollos are an example to all of us. They were faithful, not worrying about what others were saying about them. The only One Who mattered to them was the Lord, Himself. He will examine them. Do you take time to ask Him to examine you in your walk with Him?
Psalm 139:24-25 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
6-Dear brothers and sisters, I have used Apollos and myself to illustrate what I’ve been saying. If you pay attention to what I have quoted from the Scriptures, you won’t be proud of one of your leaders at the expense of another. For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? 7-What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift? 8-You think you already have everything you need. You think you are already rich. You have begun to reign in God’s kingdom without us! I wish you really were reigning already, for then we would be reigning with you.
Everything that we have is given to us from God! It is all a gift from Him so that we will not boast. Pride! Watch carefully how your attitude is. Are you boastful in yourself or in Him?
9-Instead, I sometimes think God has put us apostles on display, like prisoners of war at the end of a victor’s parade, condemned to die. We have become a spectacle to the entire world—to people and angels alike. 10-Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed. 11-Even now we go hungry and thirsty, and we don’t have enough clothes to keep warm. We are often beaten and have no home. 12-We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. 13-We appeal gently when evil things are said about us. Yet we are treated like the world’s garbage, like everybody’s trash— right up to the present moment. 14-I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. 15-For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. 16-So I urge you to imitate me.
To so many we look like we are insane. I have family members who think I am....and have for a long time. Just think of all the things that we go through walking with Jesus, just like Paul and Apollos.
II Tim. 2: 24-26 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. I often use these verses when dealing with difficult people. It changes my focus towards them.
17-That’s why I have sent Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of how I follow Christ Jesus, just as I teach in all the churches wherever I go. 18-Some of you have become arrogant, thinking I will not visit you again. 19-But I will come—and soon—if the Lord lets me, and then I’ll find out whether these arrogant people just give pretentious speeches or whether they really have God’s power. 20-For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power. 21-Which do you choose? Should I come with a rod to punish you, or should I come with love and a gentle spirit?
Wow some powerful words from Paul! Let's not just talk about it but let our lives show how we live out His power in our lives.
Father, We are nothing without You. Thank You for Your free gift of salvation through Jesus' shed blood on the cross. May we never be boastful in ourselves but always giving You the glory. As we go through trials help us to be relying on You and not complaining and boasting about what we are doing. May we go from Your strength to Your strength. Help us to encourage our brothers and sisters along the way and stop pointing fingers at what they are doing wrong. Just point them to You, Jesus and Your Word. It is only You Who can bring the healing and salvation that they need. May we be eager to serve You everyday of our lives. Amen
Lyn Steriti