Can Christians have misplaced loyalties?
Many of us are loyal to family, friends, and religious denominations. And this same loyalty extends to political parties and tribes. However, neither family, friends, nor any political, religious, or cultural affiliation usurps a Christian’s commitment to Christ, who is the way, truth, and light of the world.
Paul told the people in 1 Corinthians 4:3 (KJV), “But with me, it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you.”
The question is, should Christians, servants of Christ, consider or fear others’ judgment?
Why consider or fear their judgment?
No one can judge another person’s deeds relative to eternal life or condemnation; only Jesus has this authority and power.
Paul wasn’t shy to speak his conviction. His conviction was to do according to God’s will and not be subjected to the whims and whimpering of egos, personalities, and current trends.
He didn’t waste time and energy being concerned about their opinions about his work and ministry. They were neither his example nor his judge.
“But with me, it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you.” Isn’t this a wonderful proverb to live by?
We can do likewise and care less about others’ judgment.
Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by him.”
All who love Christ and work to spread the gospel are servants. Christian leaders are not accountable to each other or a group but only to God for their deeds.
In the beginning, the Corinthians were teachable mentees, learning and applying the Christ-like principles Paul taught them, but soon, they wanted to deviate from the path. Friendships, prestige, prosperity, and other things influenced ministry decisions.
Paul told them their opinions of him weren’t significant enough to make a ripple in his oceanic desire to please God. His loyalty was with God, not men.
Small things aren’t as important as the big things in life. The Corinthians focused on small things like personalities that produced no fruit but caused division and strife. Paul reminded them there were no big I’s and little you’s in serving God.
Faithfulness, obedience, and love for God’s work make a good minister, not a prestigious position or rallying personality.
It is the same today; all church leaders, pastors, deacons, trustees, and others are servants. No one can take God’s place as the judge of us all in our doings and misdoings for His kingdom.
Paul wanted himself and other Christians to be considered as ministers or servants of Christ.
A minister acts upon someone else’s authority. A Christian minister acts upon God’s authority.
It’s to the servant God will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of the lord.” Matthew 25:21 (KJV)
Pleasing God trumps pleasing others or even ourselves.
Be well.