Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:1-7
4 This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.
6 Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other. 7 For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?
Today's Meditation:
Paul’s message to the Corinthians emphasizes that those put in charge of explaining God’s mysteries are to be faithful as a follower of Christ. They are not to be judged by man. Only God can judge the heart. Only He can fully know a person’s heart and when He returns, He will judge. All believers will be tested on how faithful they have been to the message of “Christ and Him crucified” (2:2). “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.” (4:5) We have been given a gift from God to share our lives and His message in good faith. We must do so without fear of judgment by fellow man, knowing God knows our heart and will be the only judge.
Prayer:
Father in heaven, thank you that you have given us the gift of your Grace and that we may speak in spite of judgement by other people, knowing that you know our heart and are the ultimate judge of our motives. Amen
Carol Pyle