7 August

The difference between the success of the world – power, fame, making money and so on – and the success of a true follower of Jesus in living a holy life is like the difference between grass, which only lasts a few days, and a palm tree that stands throughout the ages.

But, as Joyce Meyer writes, ‘We should bless others and not be afraid they will get ahead of us. We must not envy anyone else’s appearance, possessions, education, social standing, marital status, gifts and talents, job, or anything else because that will only hinder our own blessing.’

Boasting is the temptation to compare ourselves with others, think we are doing rather well and boast about our ‘success’. 

We must avoid taking sides, where ‘one says, “I follow Paul” and another “I follow Apollos”’ (v.4).

You do have a role to play. First, God uses you to bring people to faith. Apollos and Paul were those ‘through whom [the Corinthians] came to believe’ (v.5). Second, God will reward you. The person who plants and the person who waters have one purpose and each will be rewarded according to their own labour. Third, you are ‘God’s co-workers’ (v.9). God has chosen not to do it on his own. He chooses to use you.

Being used by God is a huge privilege. Not only are you God’s ‘co- worker’ (v.9) – you are ‘God’s field, God’s building’ (v.9). People try to build their lives on many things – money, education, job titles, possessions, and other things, but Jesus is the only sure foundation (v.11).

Furthermore, Paul goes on to write, ‘Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?’ (v.16). Therefore, he writes, ‘I don’t want to hear any of you bragging about yourself or anyone else. Everything is already yours as a gift… and you are privileged to be in union with Christ, who is in union with God’ (vv.21–23, MSG).

Psalm 92:14

‘They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green’.

Fresh and green sounds good. As life goes by very quickly and I am heading for old age fast, I’m encouraged by this verse. There is something so beautiful about godly, older people. I can think of many that I admire hugely – their wisdom and holy life are an inspiration.