“For when one says, *I* am of Paul, and another, *I* of Apollos, are ye not men? Who then is Apollos, and who Paul? Ministering servants, through whom ye have believed, and as the Lord has given to each. *I* have planted; Apollos watered; but God has given the increase. So that neither the planter is anything, nor the waterer; but God the giver of the increase. But the planter and the waterer are one; but each shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are God’s fellow-workmen; ye are God’s husbandry, God’s building.”
1 Corinthians 3:4-9 (DBY)
When God calls an individual to ministry, the human impulse is to forget that we are only human. We began to think that we can win the world single-handed. We see all the big-time ministries around us and begin to lust after their popularity and lucrative ministries.It somehow escapes us that, perhaps, the Lord has not given us those ministering gifts and capabilities. Paul’s perspective may keep us humble and balanced. Planting is a very important task, if you are the one God has gifted with planting skill. Go and be the best “green-thumb” possible for God. Watering the planted seed is an essential task because without water the planted seed will not sprout and grow. No matter what task God has gifted us for, we shall receive his reward for our faithfulness to our task.
Just remember, we are cooperating with God, our fellow-workman. In the end, we are a part of his building and built for his glory!
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Forgive us for our forgetfulness. Enable us to submit our gifts and ministries to your will. Empower us to be faithful to the tasks you have assigned to us. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his plan and live for his purpose,
Pastor Smith