1 Corinthians 4:20: “For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.”
During the time of Paul, he was known for being a great theologian. He had a highly trained mind that was sharper and keener than anyone else in comparison at that time. Then there was Apollos, who was a polished orator. People were impressed with his speaking abilities and magnetic personality. Both were significantly used by God. God made them both, yet they each had different gifts and talents in teaching and preaching and guiding the people regarding the Word of God.
The power of God’s Word has the ability to change lives – to bring people to repentance and make their life turn around and follow after Christ. The Word of God has the power to mentally illumine the mind – like what we call having the light bulb going on in our brain to the truth found in God’s Word and to have purpose in living.
God does not care about our image, our successes, our accomplishments, our popularity or lack of demand. God only cares about our heart’s condition and examines our motives. As Paul said in 1 Cor. 4:2, we are to remain faithful to do what is right.
Paul stated to the Corinthians that they should imitate Paul himself, or Timothy, who Paul considered a (1 Cor. 4:15-16) “faithful child of the Lord.” I think of a couple women in my life that I feel have been my mentors and examples that I look up to and want to follow. I have had a woman mentor in my work, and now I am looked to be a mentor in that arena. But I make mistakes and sometimes have trouble handling conflict issues. I am competitive and goal orientated. I need to alter my expectations of others that don’t share those characteristics. I have to ask God for wisdom and forgiveness in lacking patience. Then I view a few women that have encouraged me in my walk with the Lord that God placed in my life at specific needy times. That has been priceless. I want to do that for others.
Who is it that you look up to that you know that you want to imitate?
Are you one to be imitated? Or are you in a season of needing God to intervene and rescue you?
Paul was a leader and servant of Christ. The Message states in 1 Cor. 4:4: “The requirements for a good guide are reliability and accurate knowledge. It matters very little to me what you think of me, even less where I rank in popular opinion. I don’t even rank myself. Comparisons in these matters are pointless. You already have all you need.” Wow! Can I get to that point in my life as Paul did? Paul didn’t live for the applause of people but for God’s kingdom in mind.
“God’s Way is not a matter of mere talk; it’s an empowered life.” 1 Cor. 4:20 MSG.
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