1 Corinthians 1-4: Do You Care What Others Think About You?

Are you the personality that thrives on what others think about you? When others praise you, does that charge your batteries? When they criticize, does it destroy you?

If you've read the book, The Five Love Languages, you'll know what I mean when I say my main love language is "words of affirmation." When I am praised it means a lot to me. I have to be careful not to be puffed up with pride. But I also must be careful not to fall into depression when I am criticized. Perhaps you know what I mean.

Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 4:3-4 mean a lot to me: "But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord."

1. Paul didn't care how others judged him. "I am rubber, you are glue...words bounce off me and stick on you." Okay, maybe he wouldn't say that, but the background thought is there. Who is another man to judge me? Does any man or woman on the face of this earth have the authority to judge me in my actions? No! They may point things out. They may try to guide me in certain directions. But they are not the final say.

2. Paul didn't even judge himself. Do I have the authority to say, "I'm doing well"? Can I judge myself as a worthy citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven? Paul didn't. I shouldn't.

3. Paul allowed only the Lord to judge him. When God tells me I'm missing the mark, the voice of authority has spoken! If I'm a "words of affirmation" guy, I need to look forward to GOD'S PRAISE and not worry so much about man's. I need to pay special attention to GOD'S CRITICISM, not man's. He judges.

God bless,
Nathan

Tomorrow's Reading: 1 Corinthians 5-8