Michael A.- March 19, 2011
Scripture:
1 Corinthians4:1-5 1 This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God hasrevealed. 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.
Observation:
Paul is telling the Corinthians to treat him and his helpers as servants of Christ entrusted with the secrets things of God, and not as religious leaders. Paul also tells them it matters not if they, the Corinthians, or their judges want to judge him. His conscience is clear. Paul said not to be quick to judge the inner-ness of man, let that be for the Lord when He returns. He will expose what's hidden as well the motives if men's hearts.
Application:
I should treat my brothers and sisters in Christ as servants, and expect myself to be treated the same. I can also stand in front of a judge with my chest puffed and clear conscience. I work daily on not judging others, especially what I might interpret as coming from their heart. I have to ask myself, "If God were to come today, what would He find within me? What motive would He expose in my heart?" As a Christian I have to pray always for God's guidance; as a sinner I have to pray always for forgiveness and God's guidance.
Prayer:
Father, I pray You keep me in my role as servant and out of the role as judge. Help me aways be a servant to those who need me to be, and a faithful servant to You, Lord. I love You, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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