3:6,7
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow”. Paul had founded the church in Corinth, he was the first to preach the gospel there. Then Apollos continued the work, nurturing the church, but it was God who actually made it grow. We all have different talents and roles in life. These are important and it is vital that we use our talents and fulfil the roles given to us, moreover we should enjoy doing this, but we need to know that without God nothing at all would be achieved. We cannot cause spiritual growth, we can only work with God. Conversely, if some church leader, or preacher or prophet has had a great influence on your life be aware that it was not them who influenced your life, but God working through them.
3:8,9
We need to have the right perspective on things. People have different roles, different ministries, but they are all part of the one purpose. Moreover, they will be rewarded. Note that the New Testament speaks quite a lot about rewards. The work we do for God matters, how we do it matters, and there are rewards for faithful servants. Now we do not work in order to get a reward, but we work knowing we will get a reward. There is an enormous difference between these two approaches. The former is focused on getting the reward, the latter on serving God. We are all part of God’s purpose. Sometimes we are active participants in God fulfilling His purpose, at other times we are recipients of God’s work. Whatever the case, we need to recognise that it is God who is the focus of everything. We must never make a person the focus.
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