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 1 Corinthians 3:11-23 - Monuments and Museums

Apparently, Churchill hated the idea of someone creating a statue of him in remembrance.  Knowing about his appetite for attention, I’m not sure that’s true.  But if true, it wasn’t just the pigeons he was worried about.

We are reminded in this chapter never to create a monument to ourselves for the greatness of our ministry work.  It is ok to honor brothers and sisters in Christ.  But be very careful how you do it.  In my past life as a securities lawyer, I collected in my office little trophies to celebrate successful financings and mergers.  I enjoyed those little plaques and deal gifts from investment bankers.  But what's their real value?  Very little.

        God says in this passage, “It is not important who does the planting or who does the watering” (1 Corinthians 3:7).  As a history buff, I love museums.  I’ve toured Gettysburg twice in the last two years and can’t wait to return.  I'm off to Yorktown this weekend as I'm knee-deep in learning US Revolutionary War History.  I love it.  We learn a ton from history.  But God sees our motives.  We have to make sure we are learning and growing for the right reasons.  Self-importance, pride, and arrogance are the antithesis of godly character.  It doesn’t take much discernment to see when Christian men want the laurels, the accolades, and the honor rather than giving them to our Rescuer.  Stolen valour is always wrong.

If you want to do something meaningful point to God’s hand of Providence in the affairs of men.  Look to the work that God did in creation, in His love story to mankind, his passion on the Cross of Calvary, His raising of the Son of God from the dead, and in offering each of us new life, nay, eternal life.  That is a message of value.  What's really important?  It is important that God loves us and that we share His love to build His family.

By God’s grace, we will have the opportunity today to treat people well, work hard, and stay on purpose (3:12).

God is our fierce protector and defender.  He cares nothing of museums to honor men, trophies of human achievement, and the clever schemes of man.  Yet He loves us beyond measure.  We belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God (3:23).  Praise God.

        Open up your blueprint today and see if the foundation of your work is Jesus.  Do the same for your organization.  Look around.  What do you see and talk about the most?  The Cross of Jesus Christ and His promise to return, or worldly ventures and old wives' tales of human achievement?  It is Christ alone who strengthens and holds up every good work.  Reputations matter.  How we act matters.  As we know from 1 Timothy and Titus, Christian leadership ought to be based on character and fruitful experience.  But don’t care too much about how others evaluate you; it is God who will examine us.  He will assess our work to see if it has any eternal value.

        The world’s standards of wisdom and wealth hold no eternal value.  Ask Jeffrey Epstein.  Do you think it matters now how many private jets he owned, how well-stocked his private island was, or whether his private art collection got chuckles from billionaire friends?  I don't think it will be much different for the so-called Christian leaders who fly private.

        It is worth reminding ourselves of God's message in 1 Corinthians 3.  What matters is how we live this life for God.  We must abide by and live a powerful Spirit-filled life.  Our work is to add people to God’s family.  God is the Judge.  He loves His people, all those who accept His gift of eternal life.

        Lord Jesus, please help us to be master builders today.  Help us to triple-check our blueprints to make sure we have the right foundation.  Forgive us for our failings.  Help us to be patient with others as we build.  May we be kind, never boastful.  And may we never heap praise on human leaders in a way that offends you.  Forgive us for where we’ve done that.

        Thank you, Lord God, for this new chapter in our lives.  A chapter to build and thrive in You, in Your wisdom alone.  Amen.




 


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