Nougat 4

As believers, how we address challenges matters. Whether we are the accused or not, it is important that our lights, rather our lifestyles, shine brightly for Christ. On occasion, there may be just cause to be called out, if or priorities get shifted. This was an issue in Corinth, and Paul addressed it forthwith. More on this as we consider Today’s Holy Nougat

1 Corinthians 4:7-8 CEVDCI

[7] What is so special about you? What do you have that you were not given? And if it was given to you, how can you brag?

[8] Are you already satisfied? Are you now rich? Have you become kings while we are still nobodies? I wish you were kings. Then we could have a share in your kingdom.

Safeguarding the Ministry

It used to be said of the Black Church in America that it’s the one space where even a janitor in the secular world could be the pastor on Sunday. I’m not sure how true that saying is, but it suggests that power was given based on one’s character rather than social or economic status. Of course we know that being in a position of power neither validates nor denies our integrity, nor does it mean that we are untouched by challenges to our leadership.

Self-Check

Has our legitimacy as a leader ever been questioned? How should we (have) handle it?

Digging Deeper

Y’shua’s discipleship programe also had such moments. Aside from the ongoing questions about Y’shua’s identity, His disciples, traditional blue-collar workers, once argued about who was the greatest. Luke 22:23-30 tells us the disciples were busy arguing about greatness while Y’shua Jesus was preparing them for the reality of His crucifixion. Is it any wonder they missed the point of that profound salvific act?

In scolding the Corinthian church, Paul’s argument focused on the transforming their focus from the minor things they made major. His query about wealth was ironic, as he ridiculed the value they placed on material wealth. We can almost hear him pointing them to Matthew 6:19-21 where Y’shua said our priority is to focus on Heavenly treasure. On the heels of that comment, Paul also made reference to leadership, noting ironically that none of them was a king. There, Paul subtly alluded to Christ’s response to the disciples in Luke 22:25-30 that greatness is to be defined solely by God’s standards.

It is unlikely that Paul’s sarcasm was lost on the Corinthians. Do not yearn to become demi-gods, Paul sternly said – for no one died and left them king.

Hopefully, we have discerned that Paul’s call for humility and service also applies to us. We are in God’s employ, he stated earlier, so seek only to please God. In like manner, we must ensure that we live our faith in ways that honour Christ. Let’s keep Y’shua at the centre of all we do, holding Him as The Standard for all acts of leadership.

We should also focus on valuing integrity over wealth, as it keeps our faith authentic at all times. In so doing, we continue to safeguard the faith against the plans of the evil one.

Point to Ponder

In our spaces of ministry, how do we manage our priorities?

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May all we seek be found in Christ