Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

In Chapter 3, Paul spoke directly to the believers in Corinth. In Chapter 4, his words are focused on those who lead. Now, before you assume this chapter isn’t for you since you may not work at a church, preach weekly, or lead a House Church … stop for just a sec.

While most of us are not employed by the Church, we are all representatives of the Church. As believers, we are called to higher standards and called up to spiritual leadership. And while we may see our involvement at church as a reprieve from our other roles (parenting, working, volunteering, etc.), we have a very important place within our local church to lead. And a very important place within our spheres of influence.

For context, Paul ministered inside Corinth for 18 months and then passed the torch to Apollos. He also mentors Timothy and sends him out as the next generation of church leaders.

His not-so-gentle reminders about the role of a church leader are helpful for us today:

• Let’s be good stewards of God’s Word, His calling on our life, and the community of faith we are a part of. Whatever your role within the local church – steward it well. Be faithful to serve, faithful to pray, and faithful to your commitments.
• Let’s pursue humility in our roles within the local church. No job is too small and the stage isn’t the goal. Let’s seek to keep the main thing, which is Christ crucified and glorified.
• Let’s be tender to the needs of others and the work of the Holy Spirit. Do you feel Him nudging you, showing you, or prompting you? Be obedient to that. Do you see needs that others don’t see? Meet them. Do you feel tender toward that single mom dragging her kids into KXP? Reach out a helping hand. Do you feel tender toward the teaching team and pastoral staff? Encourage them. Do you feel tender toward the countless volunteers? Express how much you appreciate them.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Are there areas in your life you can influence others and come alongside them in their walk with the Lord?
• Do you view volunteering and serving in small ways just as important and useful as preaching and teaching? 
• Make a plan to look for the needs of others and the work of the Holy Spirit this week. When you see a need, meet a need.

Family Devo: 1 Corinthians 4 

By: Tina Bryant 

When partnering with your family to know, love, and follow Jesus, we strive to create and share content filtered by the Head-Heart-Hands model.

Head: the knowledge of God and His Word | Heart: the personal connection from scripture | Hands: a missional mindset

Head

Today Paul is talking about judgment. That’s when we think harshly and unkindly toward others, their actions, or the way they are living. Paul says very clearly that God is the one who examines him. Paul is saying here that we shouldn’t try to judge others, but instead should wait until the Lord comes, because HE will bring light to the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of human hearts.

Heart

This helps me a lot because it’s not my job to figure out why people do the things they do! What a relief. I don’t have to be responsible for other people's actions. But God does call us to love each other.

Hands

Do you have a friend who seems far from Jesus? Maybe they don’t behave very kindly, or maybe they don’t follow Jesus. Sometimes just by living your life well, you can be an example of how to live for someone else too.  

Pray: God, help us today to live in a way that helps others see your love. Show us how to live in a way that points the way to you in all we do. Help us to love others, even when they aren’t lovable. Amen.