1 CORINTHIANS 4
This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. 7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? – 1 Corinthians 4:1-7
1 CORINTHIANS 4 WHY BOAST ABOUT ANYTHING
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Do you not know that every good gift comes from God?
There is nothing that we received that originates from us
Anything we do and work for is a blessing from the Lord
So, why boast about anything when it didn’t come from you?
Do not be puffed up and think highly of yourself
Be thankful and give credit only to your loving Father
In this letter, Paul stressed to the Corinthian church the importance of remembering that they are serving the Lord Jesus Christ and that they are responsible to care for the truths that God has given them. They do not need to focus on their differences because it is God’s preference to give different gifts to anyone he desires to give. He cautions them of pride that they easily resort to.
Humans automatically focus on their own achievements or efforts and this is the result of our sin nature. Paul cautions them that they need to guard their hearts from comparisons, jealousy and judgments when they are serving the Lord Jesus Christ. There is nothing to boast about anyway since all things emanate from God.
REFLECTION
- What do humans automatically boast about? How can we prevent boasting?
