Scripture: So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. Now the one planting and the one watering are one in purpose, and each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 1 Corinthians 3:7-8
Observation: As Paul addresses one of the debates in the church at Corinth - division between those who "follow Paul" and those who "follow Apollos" - he is clear that both definitions are meaningless. Paul and Apollos are simple two different servants of God, with different tasks, but all to the same end ... making Jesus Christ known. He goes a step further, stating that neither of them is worthy of any kind of acknowledgment in the manner the Corinthians are doing. They are nothing. All glory for salvation and mercy belong to God, and in that God will eventually grant to Paul and Apollos any reward as God deems worthy.
Application: All my work - on earth, in the spiritual realm, or even as I struggle to be an example in my circumstances - has no reward on earth. There is, in fact, no proper reason to expect reward of any kind. Instead, God will decide my rewards. As Paul also notes, that nature of that reward may depend on how I build upon the foundation of Jesus. However, it will be a heavenly, God-determined outcome.
No one on earth can bless me the way God can bless me. I believe God has used many people to bless me, especially over the last few weeks. My faith must - and will - remain on only one thing ... eternal salvation through my steadfast faith and belief in Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior. That is my rock and my foundation.
Prayer: Lord, again today I seek your grace. I know only you can give me the comfort, courage, strength, and hope I need to continue another day. I also know that your gifts are fully and completely sufficient. Thank you for loving me so, so greatly. I do hope I can return at least part of that love to you in a manner worthy of your name. Amen.
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