Looking for Management
Read the Text: 1 Corinthians 4
Memorize the Text:
Don't you yourselves know that you are God's temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, and that is what you are.
(1 Corinthians 3:16-17, CSB)
Consider the Text: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
When businesses seek to hire potential employees, they use various criteria to identify workers. This list of expectations and qualifications adjust based on the position the employer seeks to employ. For example, at a fast-food restaurant, the owners may seek to hire individuals to work as short-order cooks or people to perform customer service at a cash register or a drive-in window. You often notice a sign at such an establishment that reads, "looking for management." This sign indicates that the place seeks to hire individuals who display specific characteristics and qualities that promote the overall business. These individuals represent the owners when they are absent when dealing with employees and customers. In 1 Corinthians 4, the apostle Paul declares that God is looking for his children to be managers. God wants to enter a relationship with them, train them, and put them into the work of His kingdom, representing him. The apostle provides the qualities God desires in managers of the kingdom.
First, God looks for a SERVANT. A servant lives to serve their master. This style of life comes as one lays down their rights and personal dreams for elevating the one they serve. The servant obeys the directions and will of the master because of their desire to remain loyal and faithful. A servant has a heart that does not seek personal gain; instead, the servant lives in a state of humble obedience. The servant knows their role in the kingdom and strives to perform the given task excellently. As followers of Christ, we must seek to be the servant who obeys our master and desire to carry out His Kingdom's mission with excellence.
Second, God looks for servants who HOLD TO HIS WORD. Paul stated that he sought to be known as a "manager of the mysteries of God." Such a statement revealed the characteristic of not taking away from or adding to the revealed word of the Lord. The apostle knew that the Scripture was inspired and inerrant and, as a result, knew that he did not have the freedom to change or adjust the truth. As a result, Paul declared that the Lord desires his children to be good managers of God's mysteries and hold firm to His Word.
Third, God looks for servants LIVING OUT HIS WORD. When one holds firm to the Word of God, the impact and truth of the Word begin to impact and transform one's life. Thus, a faithful servant lives out faith before others because the truth guides their life. The good manager in God's kingdom knows the written declaration found in Scripture but also puts the truth into practice. A manager in God's kingdom knows the truth beyond intellectual assent but lives it from the placement of the truth in the heart.
Fourth, God looks for servants EXTENDING LOVE, NOT JUDGMENT. The servant who exists as a manager in God's kingdom extends love to others and does not judge because of the dwelling and living of the truth. They extend love because God commands them to love others as themselves and to live without judging others. A manager does call out other believers when sin becomes apparent, but they do not approach the task in a judgmental way but in a manner of discipline in love that leads to restoration and spiritual growth.
Fifth, God looks for servants SEEKING TO PLEASE THE LORD. The life of the manager in God's kingdom centers on elevating the name of Jesus and making Him known worldwide. Every moment in life is lived with the desire to illuminate the truth and reflect the power and greatness of Christ. The manager does not seek to please the self but willfully denies the self for following the Lord and serving the Master.
As we think about our life in Christ, we need to assess and seek to see if we are management material. Do we seek to live as a servant of Christ who desires to please Him in all we do? Do we live in a manner that holds to the truth of God's Word and lives it out in every moment in life? Do we seek to practice extending genuine love to others and battle against bringing judgment on others in the flesh? Are we management material?
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
