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Striving for greatness and excellence if fine, but not at the expense of others.
1 Corinthians 4:1–13 (NRSVue) The Ministry of the Apostles
4 Think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. 4 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 commendation from God.
6 I have applied all this to Apollos and myself for your benefit, brothers and sisters, so that you may learn through us what “Not beyond what is written” means, so that none of you will 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? And if you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive?
8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Quite apart from us you have become kings! If only you had become kings, so that we might be kings with you! 9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, as though sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to humans. 10 We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are sensible people in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored. 11 To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are naked and beaten and homeless, 12 and we grow weary from the work of our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we speak kindly. We have become like the rubbish of the world, the dregs of all things, to this very day.
Reflections:
Prayer: Lord, regardless of being exalted or brought low, train us to say “yes” to your work. Also, train us to accept any position, high or low, for the sake of the world. Amen.
1 Corinthians 4:1–13 (NRSVue) The Ministry of the Apostles
4 Think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. 4 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 commendation from God.
6 I have applied all this to Apollos and myself for your benefit, brothers and sisters, so that you may learn through us what “Not beyond what is written” means, so that none of you will 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? And if you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive?
8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Quite apart from us you have become kings! If only you had become kings, so that we might be kings with you! 9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, as though sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to humans. 10 We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are sensible people in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored. 11 To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are naked and beaten and homeless, 12 and we grow weary from the work of our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we speak kindly. We have become like the rubbish of the world, the dregs of all things, to this very day.
Reflections:
- What emotional needs do I have that need to be met? Am I faithfully meeting the emotional needs of others?
- Do I long to be recognized or exalted? Am I okay to be brought low?
Prayer: Lord, regardless of being exalted or brought low, train us to say “yes” to your work. Also, train us to accept any position, high or low, for the sake of the world. Amen.
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Introducing the Wesley Prayer ChallengeWesley Prayer Challenge, Day 1: "I AM ..."Wesley Prayer Challenge, Day 2: “… NO LONGER MY OWN …”Wesley Prayer Challenge, Day 3: “… BUT THINE.”Wesley Prayer Challenge, Day 4: “PUT ME TO WHAT THOU WILT …”Wesley Prayer Challenge, Day 5: “… RANK ME WITH WHOM THOU WILT.”Wesley Prayer Challenge, Day 6: “PUT ME TO DOING, …”Wesley Prayer Challenge, Day 7: “… PUT ME TO SUFFERING.”Pastor's Column July 2024Haymount Kids July 2024What is CRESP?Wesley Prayer Challenge, Day 8: “LET ME BE EMPLOYED BY THEE OR LAID ASIDE FOR THEE, …”Wesley Prayer Challenge, Day 9: “… EXALTED FOR THEE OR BROUGHT LOW FOR THEE.”Wesley Prayer Challenge, Day 10: “Let Me Be Full, …”Wesley Prayer Challenge, Day 11: “… LET ME BE EMPTY.”Wesley Prayer Challenge, Day 12: “LET ME HAVE ALL THINGS, …”Wesley Prayer Challenge, Day 13: “… LET ME HAVE NOTHING.”Wesley Prayer Challenge, Day 14: “I FREELY AND HEARTEDLY YIELD ALL THINGS TO THY PLEASURE AND DISPOSAL.”Wesley Prayer Challenge, Day 15: “AND NOW, O GLORIOUS AND BLESSED GOD, …”Wesley Prayer Challenge, Day 16: “… Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, …”Wesley Prayer Challenge, Day 17: “… THOU ART MINE, AND I AM THINE.”Wesley Prayer Challenge, Day 18: “SO BE IT.”End of year report for 2023The DiapasonWesley Prayer Challenge, Day 19: “AND THE COVENANT WHICH I HAVE MADE ON EARTH, …”Wesley Prayer Challenge, Day 20: “… LET IT BE RATIFIED IN HEAVEN.”Wesley Prayer Challenge, Day 21: “AMEN.”
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