WHAT IS IMPORTANT

I Cor. 3:7-9 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. The one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose. Yet they will be rewarded individually, according to their own hard work. We work together as partners who belong to God. You are God's field, God's building---not ours.  NLT

This text ought to be engraved on every pulpit, and etched on every heart. Every church ought to become so convinced of these truths that they become the governing practice of the church. Every college and seminary that prepares students for ministry ought to preach and teach these verses in every classroom until everyone gets it. In God's kingdom, there is no hierarchy! God does not elevate one person over another and give them special honor among men. God does not deem anyone better than anyone else. So, why do we?

       We somehow have gotten the idea that certain individuals are more important or special to God because of what they do or who they are. In some circles, we adorn ourselves in order to make a distinction between us and them. Some people begin to believe their attention is justified and relish in it. Some people use their position of leadership to serve themselves rather than God or His people.

      We must understand and believe what Paul is saying in our text today. Each one of us is given a role to play in the body of Christ. Where we are placed is based on how we are created and led through life by God. Every role is equally important to the work of the kingdom. We are responsible to God for the faithful fulfillment of our role and for the attitude we have about our role. Every person in the body of Christ is an equal partner with everyone else. No one is better or worse than anyone else. God makes no distinction between His children. We are all on equal footing.

      When we distort our standings in the church and honor some over others, it is sin.  No one, no matter who they are or what they do, deserves to be put on a pedestal.  There is no distinction between people in the church, just different roles to play.  Do not let anyone put themselves above you because their role may be more visible than yours.  Do not compare yourself with others.  Everyone in the Church must answer to God for the role they have been given to play in the Church.  Faithfully do what God has given you to do and leave the rest up to Him.