READING: 1 Corinthians 1-4
“So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God
who gives the growth.”
1 Corinthians 1:7
I continually need the reminder of 1 Corinthians 1:5-6 – “What then is Apollos? What is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” I need it for at least two reasons. First, I have a tendency to think that church growth is somehow dependent on me. I know better than that, but it’s hard not to take responsibility if you are a church leader.
Second, I sometimes fail to remember that evangelism is a process, and that I’m not the only one evangelizing people. I think, for example, of folks I know in the gym where I work out. I am striving to be a witness to them, though my primary time with them is limited to the gym. I’ve learned, however, that at least one of them is also hearing the gospel from another friend – and my role may be to help water in the process. I’m still responsible for sharing the gospel, but it’s comforting to know I’m not in this task alone.
Paul may well have planted in the work at Corinth, but he knew he could not do the work by himself. He needed others to walk with him, invest in others, and help lead them to the Lord. Ultimately, though, it’s God who gets the glory!
ACTION STEPS:
- Thank God for other believers you know who also work hard at evangelism.
- Be willing to be a planter or a waterer—whatever God wants.
PRAYER: “Lord, You alone give growth. I praise You for changing lives!”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Corinthians 5-8