1/13/2023

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭5.

Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.

Paul tells us that we are to be trustworthy stewards, but not to judge one another. He writes “it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court”, and “the one who judges me is the Lord”. Paul doesn’t say we aren’t responsible to each other, but it is more important how we are responsible to God.

 Paul also says “I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted”. He teaches that what we think of ourselves and others pales by comparison to what God thinks of us. Our opinions won’t matter in eternity.

Does this mean we shouldn’t care about our relationships with each other? Jesus taught that how we treat each other is important, that God’s love must be shared with all our brothers and sisters. Paul is just reminding us that our lives will be measured by God, not other people and on that day “each man’s praise will come to him from God”.

Loving Lord, help us to measure ourselves not against each other, but by the example of our savior, Jesus Christ. May we be responsible in our discipleship and generous with our love. Amen.

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