Readings:
2 Chronicles 14
Sirach 21
1 Corinthians 4

1 Corinthians 4

Paul continues on with his insistence that the church not divide itself over men and that they don’t elevate these ministers, including himself, above what they truly are; stewards of the kingdom and not the King himself. Paul says that he doesn’t really care what people think of him or his ministry, as long as it’s effective, and he adds that he doesn’t even judge it himself because the final say is up to God, so we shouldn’t really judge ourselves either for good or bad. We repent of things we are aware of, and work on areas we know we need to improve, but leave the judging up to God.

Paul tells them that he’s writing them in the spirit of a father trying to set straight his unruly children. He loves them as a parent and wants them to walk the straight path, but sometimes that requires discipline and in extreme cases it may require harsh discipline, but that is the role of a parent. He is not their buddy or friend, he has a responsibility to make sure they are also furthering the Kingdom like we all should be doing. He closes this portion of the letter by asking if he should bring the rod or mercy when he gets the opportunity to visit. He’s saying that he hopes this is all figured out and the people being admonished take it to heart so that his coming to them will be pleasant and not require more disciplinary actions.

Tomorrow’s Readings:
2 Chronicles 15-16
Sirach 22
1 Corinthians 5