Saturday February 18th, 2017 1 Corinthians 3:1-11,16-23
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. (verse 6)
I’ve always wanted to be a better gardener. My father was a magnificent gardener, as were my grandparents, growing flowers, vegetables and even planting their own vineyards. For all the great “green” genes in my family, you’d think I would come by it naturally. But sadly, I do not.
Paul reminds the people of Corinth to maintain a spirit of humility as they go about doing the work of ministry. It seems their focus is on their leaders and their accomplishments, and not on what God is doing in their midst. Paul reminds them that it is God who nourishes growth.
This text certainly invites humility! In our self-made world, we are so often tempted to believe that we can control life, or that the work we do will always reap just rewards. Sometimes we even use this attitude of self-sufficiency against others. We judge others according to our standards, and that never ends well.
We may plant the seed, but without water and sunlight, the seed will not germinate and grow into a healthy plant. It is that which God creates-water and sunlight-that nourishes the seed. And if we’re perfectly honest, God provides the seeds, too!
Loving God, keep my eyes on you. Amen. — MKW
Contributed by Keep Your Eyes on God!
I've always wanted to be a better gardener. My father was a magnificent gardener, as were my grandparents, growing flowers, vegetables and even planting their own vineyards. For all the great "green" genes in my family, you'd think I would come by it naturally. But sadly, I do not.
Paul reminds the people of Corinth to maintain a spirit of humility as they go about doing the work of ministry. It seems their focus is on their leaders and their accomplishments, and not on what God is doing in their midst. Paul reminds them that it is God who nourishes growth.
This text certainly invites humility! In our self-made world, we are so often tempted to believe that we can control life, or that the work we do will always reap just rewards. Sometimes we even use this attitude of self-sufficiency against others. We judge others according to our standards, and that never ends well.
We may plant the seed, but without water and sunlight, the seed will not germinate and grow into a healthy plant. It is that which God creates-water and sunlight-that nourishes the seed. And if we're perfectly honest, God provides the seeds, too!
