GOD MAKES IT GROW

I Cor. 3:7 The ones who do the planting or watering aren't important, but God is important because he is the one who makes the seed grow.

We don't seem to understand this simple truth very well. We tend to strive to feel important amongst men. We long for the respect and admiration of others. We want others to follow us and depend on us. We want others to acknowledge our achievements and honor us for them. In order to ensure our legacy, we put our name on our achievements. We build our own little kingdoms with our names plastered all over them. We like being in the limelight and we often take advantage of the attention lavished on us and profit from it.

Paul makes it very clear that such living is not pleasing to the Lord. Over and over again Paul speaks on humility. He reminds us that no one is of any greater importance in the Kingdom of God than anyone else. We all have a role to play in the Kingdom and we are all of equal importance. It is not important to God how important we may be perceived to be on earth. He does not care if we are known by thousands or by two or three people. He doesn't care how talented we are. He doesn't care how much power or influence we have over others.

It is God who makes things happen in the Kingdom. He is the one who moves the heart of man in response to the Gospel. Our role is to proclaim and live the Gospel; it is God's role to make the difference in the lives of people. It is God alone who causes a soul to come to repentance. It is God who nurtures the Gospel message in the heart of man and makes it grow to bear fruit. It is God alone who gets the honor and glory for the things we are able to do.

Anyone who lets himself be exalted and honored amongst men, robs God of His glory. We must be very careful about this. God holds us accountable for our self-exaltation. God judges the heart and all who think more highly of themselves than they ought will be humbled by Him.