Servants of Christ

“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.” 1 Cor. 4:1-2

The Corinthian church’s bickering over personality and popularity was all quite ridiculous to Paul. He described both himself and Apollos in this humble way: “...servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.”1 Cor. 4:1

That is, in essence, what every Christian is - regardless of his level of spiritual maturity. We are servants because Jesus is Lord and Master of all. Those who aspire to leadership in the body of Christ have a divine prerequisite: ever increasing servant-hood. None of us should labor with the idea that others will admire us.

We are stewards because Jesus is the Owner and Giver of all. “For who regards you as superior? And what do you have that you did not receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” 1 Cor. 4:7

Jesus has given us abundant and eternal life in His name. He has endowed us with natural and spiritual gifts as our Maker and Redeemer. He has equipped us with the Holy Spirit and His Word. He teaches us, leads us, and reveals His ways to us. He is the Source of all. That removes all grounds for haughtiness and bragging in the Christian life. Paul, the chief of all sinners, knew it better than most (1 Timothy 1:15). Do you?