1 Corinthians 4
Psalm 60
This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed.
1 Corinthians 4:1
Humility as a virtue in society has all but been forgotten. In secular business it’s mistaken for weakness and in religious circles it’s either replaced by arrogance or lived out in a pitiful weakness which doesn’t reflect biblical humility. Yet true humility, shaped by the gospel, is a virtue (at least it should be) of every gospel worker and Christian.
The apostle Paul could have easily regarded himself as someone to be exalted and used his status to that end. But there are two things clear to him that shape his humility. First, his understanding that he is no more and no less than a servant – a servant of the gospel to endure whatever suffering may come from proclaiming it, or whatever glory might flow from it. Second, he gives account to God alone for his life and ministry. His faithfulness comes to light before God and his ministry is measured and sifted by God alone. His clarity on this kept him humble. But this humility was not weakness as the world would understand it; it was powerful. For in his weakness the strength of God is made clear and the power of the gospel he preached is revealed. Why? So that a true humility in Christ, a powerful humility, would be seen: ‘We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly.’ (verse 12-13)
God’s people are called to live out our humility in Christ. We are to be faithful servants allowing only the power of the gospel to be our strength. We are to work and live remembering that we give account to God for our life. And we should pray that God would use this to display His Glory.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give us today the grace to live humbly before You and before people. Give us opportunity to be servants to the world and give us courage, in humility, to share the gospel with the world. In Christ we ask. Amen.