Paul continues teaching against the Corinthians’ tendency to choose sides between Apollos and himself:
“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself. But I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God” (1 Cor 4:1-5).
We do lots of judging, especially of our leaders, don’t we? We are all to be judged when the Lord returns. We are neither convicted nor acquitted before then. The Greek word for steward is oikonomous, which means literally “manager of the law of the house.” A manager does the will of the owner; he or she does not make the laws – he or she enforces them, and is therefore not to judge. A steward reminds the residents of the law set down by the owner, but does not judge.
Notice how Paul refers to the house he manages: the mysteries of God. This would be teaching and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the greatest of mysteries.
When Jesus does come, he will expose the darkness and the purposes of our hearts, both good and bad. But look closely here at what happens next. Because we believe and know that Christ has already paid the price for our sins, we each receive a personal commendation from God!
With this to look forward to, is there any reason to fear death? No. Is there reason to regret that we might have done more with the grace Jesus gave us? Yes.
And perhaps the greatest thing we can commit to is not judging each other and our leaders. Why not grab a dust rag or a mop and ask the manager of the law of the house in perfect unity where we can help polish it up?
“I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. For who sees anything different in you? What did you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it” (1 Cor 4:6-7)?
Everything we have as believers in Christ has been given to us personally as the gift of stewardship in his house – the house of perfect unity.
Empty the waste baskets containing competition in the church and set them on the curb for recycling. Pick up a mop, and help manage the house instead of comparing yourself to others.
Look only to the Master of the house!