Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
March 25, 2022
Read 1 Corinthians 3:5-11
5 After all, what is Apollos? What is Paul? They are servants who helped you to believe. Each one had a role given to them by the Lord: 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God made it grow. 7 Because of this, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but the only one who is anything is God who makes it grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters work together, but each one will receive their own reward for their own labor. 9 We are God’s coworkers, and you are God’s field, God’s building. 10 I laid a foundation like a wise master builder according to God’s grace that was given to me, but someone else is building on top of it. Each person needs to pay attention to the way they build on it. 11 No one can lay any other foundation besides the one that is already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Good Morning, It is God who makes things grow.
I find great enjoyment in planting seeds, taking care of them, and watching them grow. I would be remiss if I didn’t say that watching the plants come to fruition was the most satisfying part of the process. Who doesn’t love reaping the fruits of their labor? Sometimes in a vegetable garden other plants, especially weeds, try to take over. In fact, some of these invading plants start out looking like the plant I’m growing, but as they grow I quickly recognize that these are not from my seeds and are sucking up the nutrients that my plants need and taking precious space from them. I must then go in and work to get rid of these invaders so that my plants will continue to grow. Otherwise, their growth will be stunted and they may not produce their fruit.
In this passage, Paul is addressing a problem among the people of Corinth. Paul, Apollos, and even Peter had worked to plant the seeds of Christianity. They had tended their new converts and showed them the “new ways”. However, the people were easily swayed and were losing focus. They were distracted by whoever was the teacher and began to worship him. Corinth was a cosmopolitan city and many traveled there from around the area.
Others, not of God, were also causing confusion among the Corinthians. Like the weeds or invasive species in your vegetable garden, these others appeared to be teachers of the Word, but they were only working to reap the benefits where they did not sow.
Paul works to correct this by comparing the teachers, including him, to field hands who tend the crops. Only God, the creator, gives life to the crops, to them, and only God should be worshipped. Those ordained by God to share the Word will receive their rewards in heaven. Likewise, those who hear and accept the Word, are called to work together to share the love and mercy of God as they carefully plant and tend each new seed.
Once the foundation built upon Christ is laid, you must study the Word as you work to build upon that foundation. Only those built carefully will survive the challenges placed upon them. Do not waste your time working to be wise in worldly matters, immerse yourself in seeking God’s wisdom. All things belong to those who are in Christ. Christ is made the sure foundation and will be forevermore.
Loving and Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. Lord, allow us, your servants to continue Your mission to plant and tend new growth among us. Help us remain strong upon the foundation of Your Son. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: My efforts to share God’s word are never in vain.
Plant new seeds! Pastor Liz
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