1 Corinthians 3 (#2): We are God's Co-workers

Verse 8: The one who plants and the one who waters are one in purpose, and each will receive their own reward according to their own labor.

Verse 9: For we are God's co-workers; you are God's field, God's building.

◇ People tend to differentiate their work from others. They rank themselves based on these differences and strive to receive rewards according to their ranking. As a result, they often see their colleagues as competitors and try to outdo them. The world encourages and exploits this mindset.

The Corinthians identified themselves with Paul, Apollos, Cephas, or Christ. They believed that standing with a certain person would grant them a higher status. Paul called this a worldly and immature perspective. Competing with one another for a higher position is not the life that God desires, nor is it the life of a mature Christian.

Paul planted, and Apollos watered. They both worked toward the same goal, faithfully carrying out the tasks given to them. It is not about which task is better or superior, but rather that they performed different tasks for the same purpose.

That one purpose is the work that God wants to accomplish through Jesus Christ's crucifixion. Paul, Apollos, Peter, and Jesus himself all worked for this purpose.

We are not competitors, but rather God's co-workers, all working together for God's purpose.

♧ God, please help us not to forget that we are your co-workers today and grant us the strength to carry out your work! Holy Spirit, lead us in truth!