Increase
"But for right now, friends, I’m completely frustrated by your nonspiritual dealings with each other and with God. You’re acting like infants in relation to Christ, capable of nothing much more than nursing at the breast. Well, then, I’ll nurse you since you don’t seem capable of anything more. As long as you grab for what makes you feel good or makes you look important, are you really much different than a babe at the breast, content only when everything’s going your way? When one of you says, “I’m on Paul’s side,” and another says, “I’m for Apollos,” aren’t you being totally infantile? Who do you think Paul is, anyway? Or Apollos, for that matter? Servants, both of us—servants who waited on you as you gradually learned to entrust your lives to our mutual Master. We each carried out our servant assignment. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It’s not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving. You happen to be God’s field in which we are working.” 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 MSG
Don’t you get tired of comparing yourself with others? Of people stating that they are the best, or that they are doing it right, implying that you aren’t? That they have the truth while basically saying you don’t? In leadership, it is inevitable to feel that you don’t measure up to the standards. Someone is doing things bigger, better and badder!!! Suddenly you are left feeling that they are doing something that you can’t achieve. They must have a special sauce for the flavor they bring to their events and their group.
Looking at what Paul is speaking of here in 1 Corinthians 9, you can see that he understands the importance of discipline, of consistency, of certainty. He understands that we have a purpose, a God-given vision that we have the responsibility to follow. Using sporting terms, he lays out to you and me that even though we may have the vision, the calling, we may be disqualified without discipline and consistency.
If you keep looking at others and keep comparing yourself to what others are doing, eventually you will become discouraged, grumpy, disheartened, jealous and maybe even mad. Don’t be like that please. Take a look at what Paul tries to say to some people that were discussing these same things:
- Stop acting up
- Understand that all of you are servants of the most High God
- Different people, different talents, different results
- All your effort would be meaningless without God
When you get the urge to compare yourself and your work to others, remember these words: God gives the increase!!! When you are tempted, boast about whatever you boast about, know that others are listening. Help them by always referring back to God and how He is the one that is helping your team make it happen. All glory should be to God, because without Him, whatever we do, would not increase…Paul is #JustSaying
#OneTeamChallenge
- Re-read 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 and ask yourself if you have been guilty of infantile things?
Pray The Following:
"Lord God, thank You for entrusting me with leadership. Help me stay grounded and acknowledge that whatever happens, it’s because of You. Thank You for allowing me to be a part of Your work. Forgive me if I have boasted about the great things that might have happened, thinking or implying it was because of me or my vision. Humble me oh Lord. AMEN"
Social Share
Today, I want to praise God for His patience with me. He continues to work in my heart. It is He and He alone that makes everything happen. He will finish His work in me #GloryToGod #GodWorkingInMe #OneTeam