“Who is Apollos, and who is Paul, that we should be the cause of such quarrels? Why, we’re only servants. Through us God caused you to believe. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. My job was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God, not we, who made it grow. The ones who do the planting or watering aren’t important, but God is important because he is the one who makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose. Yet they will be rewarded individually, according to their own hard work.”
1 Corinthians 3:5-8 (NLT)
We have all driven around our neighborhoods and enjoyed the various flower gardens in our neighbors’ yards. How beautiful they are — each one unique, the aromas intoxicating. Many cities have a beautification program and give rewards and commendations for the most beautiful property. Most of us recognize that despite our planting, cultivating, watering and loving care, we did not create the flowers and their subsequent beauty. The flowers do not sit in their respective gardens and argue that the planter, water-person, or landscaper gave them their identity as a flower. The gardening team did not give the flowers’ their identity.
In our text passage, Paul is responding to the Corinthian argument over what makes one spiritual. Like immature children, these first century believers concluded that their spirituality came from their spiritual father (i.e. the preacher who introduced them to Christ). “My preacher’s better than your preacher. My preacher’s better than yours. My preacher’s better cause he . . . my preacher’s better than yours.” This was their childish attitudes.
While it is normal for us to have deep love and respect for the minister who brought us to Christ, we must remember that spirituality is produced and increased solely by He who is a Spirit.
Dear Father, thank you for the spiritual birth you gave us through Jesus Christ. Empower us to humbly remember that you are the potter and we are only the clay. I pray this in the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior. AMEN
Be courageous today in Christ who makes you to grow,
