God's Glory Church

“Because we are God’s workers, and you are God’s field, God’s building.” — 1 Corinthians 3:9

On June 29, 1955, the United States of America announced its intention to launch a satellite into space. The Soviet Union soon announced plans to do the same. The space race has begun. The Soviet Union was the first to launch a satellite and send a man into space when Yuri Gagarin first flew around our planet. The race continued until July 20, 1969, when Neil Armstrong’s “giant leap for mankind” on the surface of the moon ended the race. A period of cooperation soon began, leading to the creation of the International Space Station.

Sometimes competition can be good, pushing us to achieve things we would otherwise never have attempted. In other cases, however, competition is destructive, and this was a problem in the Corinthian church, with disparate groups clinging to different church leaders as their beacons of hope. The Apostle Paul tried to solve this problem when he wrote: “Therefore neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but God who gives birth” (1 Cor. 3:7). And then he added: “For we are God’s workers” (v. 9).

Employees are not competitors. And not only with each other, but also with God himself! With His support and guidance, we can serve together as collaborators to advance the message of Jesus for His glory, not our own.

When have you faced unhealthy competition and how was it? How does Jesus help you humbly serve others?

Loving God, thank you for the privilege of serving you. Please teach me to value work to glorify You and help others.

Author: Bill Crowder