Scripture

“For we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:9

Reflections

Too many churches are pastor-focused.  It’s all about the pastor.  God’s word is important, but the real focus is on the pastor’s sermon.  The function of the people is to provide the funds for the pastor to do God’s work.  The pastor of one church is compared to another with jealousy, quarreling and factions.

The early church had a similar problem.  They were focused on the leaders within the church, those who had first shared the gospel with them, those who had discipled them.  But if you really know the ways of the Lord God, this is unhealthy.  Who are human beings compared to the Lord God?  The primary focus of our faith is always God.  People come and go within our lives but “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Heb. 13:8) 

How then, are we to view one another?  As big shots striving to see who can get the most recognition, as dignitaries with special dress to indicate our rank and style of life?  No.  We are all servants; nothing more, nothing less.  That is the highest rank possible in the church.  There is no need for competition or rivalry in any sense at all.

We are called to work alongside each other, serving the same Lord.  The primary focus is always God and serving Him.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for how you have made yourself known to me through my brothers and sisters in the faith, fellow servants of the gospel.  Keep my focus on serving You.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

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