I Corinthians 4

“To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless … When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat” (v11-13). To the arrogant Corinthian believers who were judging the apostles by worldly standards, Paul gave a strong rebuke: Christian leaders were “stewards of the mysteries of God” (v1).  They were called to be faithful to Jesus’ teaching and example, not copy the wealth/power/status model of the world (v6). For Jesus’ sake, they were willing to be perceived as weak and foolish.

“It is the Lord who judges me” (v4). When Jesus’ approval becomes our main goal, we won’t crave earthly power or society’s badges of success.  His “well-done” means everything.