Not Judges, Servants

        [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.
(1 Corinthians 4:5-6 ESV)

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Here, Paul is talking about the ministry of the apostles in opposition to what is happening in the Corinthian church. The Corinthian church was divided over many things, one of them being that there were different factions or groups who boasted in one apostle over the other (specifically, Paul and Apollos - ch.3:4). This division and boasting Paul rebukes as complete foolishness and “merely human” (ch.3:4).

Certain people in the church (and not just the Corinthian church) have judged Paul to be inferior to Apollos and other apostles, especially in his speaking ability (1:17, 2:3-4, 4:18-21). Paul reminds them that apostles must first be servants of Christ and stewards of his mysteries, with a requirement that they be found trustworthy in all they do (4:1-2).

He then reminds them that upon Jesus’ return, he will bring to light the purposes of all hearts, and judgment belongs to him alone. Specifically, he mentions not to “boast in favor of one [minister/teacher] against another” (v.6 AMP). In today’s church, I see so many of us treating pastors and teachers like superstars or baseball cards. It seems everyone has their pool of favorites, and all other teachers don’t matter because they’re not as good. I am guilty of this myself; and isn’t this exactly what Paul is talking about? Thank God that by the Holy Spirit, this letter written to a church almost 2,000 years ago, is also written to us.

Simply put: the judging must stop. I am not allowed to compare or contrast pastors, teachers, or ministers anymore. It must end today. If I (we) do, it is sin and ungratefulness. We should all be extremely grateful that there are many examples we can point to in our culture who are shepherding churches and teaching the Scriptures and leading people to Christ. If they are false teachers, that’s another story, but extreme care must be placed on our judgment of others. When Jesus returns, I should not be at all surprised that some people who were harshly judged by many will be revealed to have been among the most trustworthy servants; and others who were highly praised may be proven to have been not very trustworthy at all.

Also, it moves me to search my own heart and ask myself the questions: “Are you a good servant? Are you a responsible steward? Are you trustworthy?”

Lord, CHANGE ME! I see the foolishness of my ways and desire to be as you want me to be. By your grace, my commitment and my faith, may there be great changes made in my heart.
In Jesus’ name.