Only kingdom servants!

THE STORY OF JESUS: 1 Corinthians 3-5
“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants!” (1 Corinthians 3:5)
Paul was only a servant, and so was Apollos, so was Peter.
So was Luther, so was Spurgeon, so was Billy Graham, so are you.
We create hierarchies in the church, and in some ways they’re unavoidable.
But we should resist them, and avoid putting people on pedestals.
The danger of elevating people is that it leads to pride, or shame.
Some people see themselves as somebodies, others as nobodies.
We are, each one of us, temples of God, designed for God’s purpose.
Everyone has a gift, everyone has a calling, everyone matters.
Your role as a servant matters for the kingdom, like Paul’s.
Our work will one day be revealed for what it is (4:10-15).
By elevating some as clergy, we have minimized the value of others.
The apostle and custodian are equally called, equally important.
For this reason I will continue to resist a special title for myself.
We all have kingdom roles; and if we use titles, use them for everyone!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I am just Norm, a servant. Yet I am Your temple, Your kingdom presence and power and purpose on earth. Help us all to see ourselves this way!