What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe-as the Lord has assigned to each his task (1 Cor. 3:5, NIV).
The Bible teaches very clearly that the Lord has assigned to each believer, each minister of Christ his or her specific task. Therefore we do not have to engage in unhealthy rivalry or competitive jealousy. Each one should identify his or her given task and do it faithfully. You are a success if you excel in that particular task the Lord has given to you.
Like in the parable of our Lord Jesus, some believers have been given five talents, some two and some one, every person according to his or her different abilities and competence. The one talented fellow has no business trying to be like the five talented person. Identify the talent(s) God has given you and use it effectively to the best of your ability. When the Lord comes to judge and reward us, He will do it based on (1) the task you have been given (2) the talent(s) you have received from Him, and (3) your faithfulness in doing exactly what He asked you do. Every man shall be judged according to his or her own work.
The same goes with the ministers of Christ. Peter was Christ's apostle to the Jews, Paul was Christ's apostle to the gentiles. Paul was given the task of planting churches, Apollos was given the task of watering the churches. In the assignment of their tasks by the Lord, Peter was not greater than Paul, neither was Paul greater than Apollos. Each person simply had his assignment. What would determine the greatness of each person is the faithfulness and diligence with which he pursued his God given task, and the results he got. It is at that point greatness shall be judged and reward shall be apportioned.
Therefore beloved, don't get mad at someone who is succeeding in his/her Godgiven task. Rather, identify clearly what God has assigned you to do. Apply yourself to it with all diligence and faithfulness. Then, your profiting shall appear to all, and your reward shall be great indeed.
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Rom. 14:12).
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (2 Cor. 5:10).
SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: MATTHEW 25:14-36
FOR FURTHER STUDIES: 1 CORINTHIANS 3
Prayer Points:
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Give thanks to God for the specific task He has given you.
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Ask for the spirit of diligence and faithfulness to rest upon you in accomplishing your God-given task.
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Ask for the help of the Holy Spirit, that you may be productive in your God-given task.
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Ask the Lord to help you to be faithful to the end.
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Pray for three ministers you know who are excelling in their God-given task.
