1 Corinthians 4 – no boasting
“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?” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NIV11)
Gifted athletes. Gifted artists. Gifted thinkers..
What do we mean when we recognise difference and advantage in others? Perhaps it provokes jealously as we look to others. Perhaps it provokes pride when we look to ourselves. Paul wants to dissuade us of both errors in this continuing section on leadership. Rather than exalting one over the other Paul wants us to look at what has been entrusted as the most valuable thing..
“This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed.” (1 Corinthians 4:1)
In the context of the letter this is helpful advice and I’ve found it helpful to apply it to myself in different settings. If we’re tempted to think that we’re profoundly ordinary the encouragement here is to see that we can play a vital role in God’s Kingdom has ambassadors for the entrusted treasure of the good news. Telling another where to find hope, forgiveness, and new life in Jesus is profoundly valuable.
If, on the other hand, we’re tempted to feel like we really matter then this passage is profoundly grounding. It says that any benefit, skill, or talent that we possess is a gift from our Creator. They are given to us – and I’ve always assumed – can therefore be taken away again as well.
Are you strong – give thanks. Are you smart – recognise the Gift Giver. Are you compassionate – rejoice in God’s good gift. There can be no boasting with this idea clearly in mind – for who can boast about deserving anything that is truly a gift.
So this passage tells us to rejoice in the good news which God gives to humble servants like us. It tells us to think humbly on any advantages or talents we have and to reconsider how we see them. Not as earned, or deserved, or a cause to elevate one over another – but rather as gifts from a good God. Gifts given for His glory and not our own.
“Dear Lord, help me never to think so little of myself that I can’t be a bearer of your good news. Keep me from thinking of myself too highly. Remind me instead that all the good things that are mine are ultimately gifts from you. Let me boast of knowing You my Lord, not my skills or talents. Amen.”
Grace and peace,
Stuart.
#newlifeisfoundhere #readingfornewlife
