“COMPLEMENT, NOT COMPETE”

“For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.”

1 Corinthians 3:9

Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians deals with the disturbing reports he received about the believers in the city of Corinth. One of the issues they were facing was the divisions among the people. Some of them favored Paul; others preferred Apollos; still, others liked Peter better.

This section of the book is an open rebuke to the Corinthians. Because of their favoritism, Paul calls them “infants” in Christ. This demonstrates their spiritual immaturity; they are not ready for solid food but can only consume spiritual milk.

Paul, Apollos, and Peter received their ministries from God, meaning, they were mere workers in God’s spiritual “field.” The point is that the Corinthians should be following the owner of the field, not the workers. Previously, we have learned that it is not the ministers who cause growth but God.

Moreover, the Corinthians failed to understand that Paul, Apollos, and the other ministers did not compete but complemented one another. They served the singular purpose of bringing the church to maturity. Should a pastor have competition in mind, he is not a team player, therefore, laying a weak foundation for his ministry. Serving God is not about being better than the other guy; it’s about doing your best and bringing out the best in others.

It’s saddening when Christians compare pastors and preachers, and such comparisons can lead to divisions in the church. We should see ministers for who they really are: they are workers of God, the Sovereign Lord, and the field owner. They may have different personalities, gifts, and enablements, but they have one mission: to point people to Christ.

Pursue the Savior today!