City Life Starter

The Word: 1 Corinthians 4:8-13

8 You think you already have everything you need. You think you are already rich. You have begun to reign in God’s kingdom without us! I wish you really were reigning already, for then we would be reigning with you. 9 Instead, I sometimes think God has put us apostles on display, like prisoners of war at the end of a victor’s parade, condemned to die. We have become a spectacle to the entire world—to people and angels alike.

10 Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed. 11 Even now we go hungry and thirsty, and we don’t have enough clothes to keep warm. We are often beaten and have no home. 12 We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. 13 We appeal gently when evil things are said about us. Yet we are treated like the world’s garbage, like everybody’s trash—right up to the present moment.

Revelation 3:15-21

15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.

20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.

By Aisha Darwesh

In today’s verses from 1 Corinthians, we observe a common, yet flawed tendency of human nature–the tendency to judge our spiritual condition based on our outward circumstances.

The Corinthians seemed to have been infected with pride, thinking that because they were rich, wise, and honored by the world’s standards, that they were somehow superior to Paul, the apostle.

In the preceding verses Paul advises, “So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due” (v. 5).

It is clear from the above verse, that God judges us based on the motives of our hearts, not the balance of our bank accounts, not other people’s opinions of us, not what we do for a living, or the way people treat us.

This is was definitely counter-cultural to the Corinthians and I would argue is counter-cultural to our current, western modern cultural views. The Corinthians exalted human wisdom over manual labor. Although Paul was an apostle of God, they looked down on Paul because he chose to work with his hands and was patient with those who abused him. It’s also evident their wealth and high social status inflated their pride to the point that they could not perceive there was anything wrong with them spiritually.

That is what is referred to in the Bible as the “deceitfulness of riches.” “And the one on whom seed was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the worries and distractions of the world and the deceitfulness [the superficial pleasures and delight] of riches choke the word, and it yields no fruit” (Matthew 13:22).

Here, I do not believe Jesus is condemning the wealthy, but rather He’s admonishing those who rely on their wealth and those who think their spiritual standing with God is based on their wealth or outward circumstances. Riches can be deceptive because it gives the appearance that everything is ok, when in fact, it could be choking out the Word and preventing you from bearing spiritual fruit.

Application

Closely examine your life. Are you in a good spot, rough spot, or somewhere in between? Whatever it may be, remember this may or may not be an accurate reflection of your spiritual condition.

Consider this scripture from James 1:9-12:

9 Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. 10 And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. 11 The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements.

12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

With the above scripture in mind, bring glory to God from right where you are in this present moment. If God has placed you in a position of prominence, use that influence and authority to advance God’s Kingdom and spread His love everywhere you go. If God has placed you in what society may view as a lower status position, don’t be discouraged or perplexed. Don’t doubt God’s ability to work through your life to make an impact for His Kingdom. God has honored you to be a light and advance His Kingdom from this position as well. If you are in a season of transition, don’t give up. Keep going. A crown of life awaits those who love God and patiently endure to the end.

Prayer

Father in Heaven, I humble myself before You and ask that You reveal Yourself to me in a greater way as I go about my daily routine. Show me what You would like me to do in this place You have planted me in right now. Is there a specific action to take? Father, You are faithful to guide me and watch over my path. Jesus, You are the way, the truth, and the life. I choose You today. In Jesus Name, Amen.