31-Jul-2024 – Your destiny and focus are decided by God
So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. – 1 Corinthians 3:7
As the Holy Spirit of God inspired Paul to write these words, we can understand that even in those days, there was an inclination towards favoring a particular man of God. In this chapter, we see that some people in the Corinthian church preferred to align themselves with either Paul or Apollos.
This issue remains relevant in our current generation as well. We can observe similar trouble in the universal church of God today, where believers are inclined towards their favorite preacher or denomination, leading to criticism and chaos within the church.
In this chapter, Paul teaches an important lesson that believers must grasp in order to let the ministry continue seamlessly with proper coordination.
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. – 1 Corinthians 3:6
In the life of a believer, God appoints someone to sow the seed of the gospel of salvation in Christ. They labor to bring the message and allow it to take root so that you can grow in your faith.
Once you are part of the church of God, various offices are involved, with the shepherd’s office being a prominent one. This office is like a manager who plans according to the goals to be reached, and the strengths and weaknesses of the team. Similarly, a good shepherd always plans for the spiritual growth of believers and coordinates with other offices—such as prophets, miracle workers, those with words of wisdom, words of knowledge, and healing—to cultivate the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ in you.
For we are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. – 1 Corinthians 3:9
Ultimately, the final say rests with God. Sometimes, God sees fit to move us from one place or church to a completely different setup. Consider our education as an analogy. Until the 10th grade, everyone learns the same syllabus. During the higher secondary years, specialization begins, and by the bachelor’s degree, we choose a branch based on various factors.
In the same way, God, as the source of everything for us, decides our specializations. For instance, an engineer has a different role than a doctor, but both are essential for providing a holistic living experience. Similarly, various offices are given by God, and He will direct us according to what He wants us to focus on. If God desires you to preach, He will lead you to groups where the word of God is the primary focus. If He wants you to focus on healing, He will guide you accordingly.
Understanding this truth and believing that whether one plants or waters, it is God who ultimately provides the increase, will help us become unshakable believers in Jesus Christ. May God help us to embody this truth.
Prayer
Dear loving Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and grace. Thank You for teaching us from this portion about the outlook we need to have and exhibit, both in this world and particularly in the church. Help us not to become emotionally bound to a preacher or a man of God, but rather to focus on our Lord Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith. I pray this in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen!
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