June 5, 1 Corinthians 4
Why are we attracted to celebrities? In countries where monarchy still exists, people are fascinated with the royal family. In America, stars are the royal class. Adoring fans pay athletes and entertainers lots of money and attention. Could it be a misguided remnant of our impulse to worship? One of the most popular recent television shows in the world was a singing competition, where millions of people voted by phone each week to determine a winner. Maybe it’s no coincidence that the show had the word “Idol” in its title.
Paul told the hero-worshipping Corinthians who were divided as they aligned themselves with their favorite preachers that those celebrities were really only servants and stewards. This is a sobering assessment for preaches and followers alike. As servants, they would be judged by their master. No other opinion mattered. As stewards, they weren’t owners or creators; they only managed someone else’s resources. Paul warned them not to be puffed up with pride for one or against another. Neither they nor their celebrated preachers had anything they had not received. There was no room for boasting, and no basis for elitism.
Do you detect some gentle sarcasm in Paul’s description of the Corinthians’ riches, royalty, wisdom, strength and honor? He contrasted their lofty opinion of themselves with the humble state of the apostles, who were suffering abuse and dishonor without retaliating. He was not shaming them, but calling them back to his example of humility. He warned there would be a showdown with those who persisted in arrogant boasting.
Every parent can identify with Paul’s question to his spiritual children: “Shall I come to you with a rod?” It’s a very early version of “Do you want to do this the easy way, or the hard way? It’s up to you.” They needed a course correction. Paul wanted to do it gently, but he told them it was going to be done one way or the other.
It’s a blessing to have a gifted spiritual teacher and mentor, but that blessing turns into a curse when we think too highly of the person. They are due honor and respect, even imitation. But we dishonor them and ourselves when we divide the body of Christ over unhealthy allegiance to our guides. Jesus is Lord; the very best spiritual teacher in the world is only a servant and a steward.
Remember, it’s better to learn from gentle rebuke than the stinging rod. It’s a lot less traumatic for everyone involved when the low impact method of discipline is allowed to work. As a child, I doubted the line, “This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you.” As a parent, I found out it was true. Imagine the great loving heart of God, wanting what is best for us, sacrificing so much on our behalf! How it must grieve the Lord when we persist in our stubbornness and leave him no choice but to be rough with his beloved child!
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—June 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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