Sep 24, 2023
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:6-13
Continuing his exhortations about the arrogance which had taken root in the church in Corinth, Paul draws a sharp contrast between what pride looks like and what humility looks like. It is significant that of the multiplied sins on display in the Corinthian church, the apostle writes about pride first … and spends four chapters to correct this fundamental corruption.
In three rhetorical questions, Paul challenges the egotism which had divided the church … and still does today. "What do you have that you did not receive?" … expected answer? Nothing! Then, the logic of verse 7 goes, where is there room for any shredof conceit? Everything is a gift from God. To contemplate this reality is deeply humbling.
Heartfelt humility was on display in the life of Paul and the contrast between pride (1 Cor 4:6-8) and humility (1 Cor 4:7-13) comes into clear focus. For Christians, to follow Christ means that there must be a willingness to be reviled and thought of as fools. Christians have always been something of a spectacle to people of the world system. We are often seen as 'scum' and 'refuse' (1 Cor 4:13).
Let us live in the humility of being thought of as laughable. The day will come when "the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father" (Mt 13:43).