If I were to go to your work and ask co-workers about you, what do you think they would tell me? Would they tell me about your good work? Would they tell me you are a pleasant person? Would they tell me you were a godly person and an inspiration to everyone? If we are following God’s word, seeking a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, the reports would be excellent. Any less than a perfect report would be because a person is not being all they could be in the Lord.
Jesus taught saying to His disciples, By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35 (NKJV)
When God's Holy Spirit fills our heart we are taught the fruit produced from our submission to Him will be love, joy , peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. These will have an effect on those they work with, live with, and associate with. A Christian worker should be very recognizable just by their presence.
Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.1 Corinthians 4:1-2 (NKJV)
The way we are perceived is the way people perceive our message about God. If they see weakness, we deliver a message that is weak. A weak message is like selling a broken car; who would want to buy something that doesn’t work well?
When a person has trouble with others, it is evidence their relationship to God could be better. If we have a good relationship with God, we should feel His conviction about our actions way before they affect others. By this we can keep ourselves walking in the spirit; for what is truly important is how God perceives us.
When a person removes their quiet time with God, it is like hanging up the phone; you turn off the voice of God to your heart. Some have too much to do and rush through each day without taking time to submit themselves to God.
When this occurs and as life gets busy, the noise of the world drowns out God's still small voice which influences us to walk holy. If this becomes a pattern for a person, it is like not eating; you become spiritually weak and malnourished. The signs of this show when people give in to do those things which go against the good work of God in their life.
Though we are all to walk worthy, our concern should be towards our self and not in judgment of others. Each of us is called to oversee ourselves and be an encouragement to others, never judging them for what we see they should be.
But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. 1 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NKJV)
In Corinth there were many who did not speak well of Paul because of his Sanhedrin background, his persecution of the church, and his nomadic lifestyle.
Many were inclined to judge Paul and speak to others encouraging the rejection of Paul's teachings.
The truth was, Paul's thoughts on holiness, spreading the gospel, and building the church, infringed on lifestyles. Corinth was a very modern town and becoming more plush each day. There were many people getting used to relaxation, comfort, and indulging on the niceties of life.
These wanted a comfortable church and did not want to see persecution grow. They did not want to give up their comfort to toil, work, and pain. Therefore, they wanted to have teachers who were less abrasive, and they would say, "We are of Apollos." An indication they did not want to be a part of Paul.
This is why Paul tells them, " it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you."
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God. 1 Corinthians 4:5 (NKJV)
One thing about judgment is, the person who judges is judging another against their own self. The person rendering judgment ultimately becomes responsible for their own actions and those who follow their judgment.
What if you judged your own pastor, challenged them, and lobbied others to join you in your distain for the person? Now, let's say several years later you found out you were completely wrong, changing the attitudes of those who joined you and they ruined many more lives.
You are responsible before God for starting all this destruction and your choice hindered the word of God from saving masses of people. These chose to reject Christ and paid for their own sin in hell all because of your judgment which grew over the years in the hearts of those who listened to you.
For I know nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God. Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. 1 Corinthians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
Apollos was not a bad man nor did he preach a different gospel. Paul only used he and Apollos as an example names. There were many other people in Corinth which were tickling the ears of the fool hearty.
Paul was teaching these in Corinth not to listen to men, but to listen to God; for God is our ultimate judge and our deeds will be judged by Him. Therefore, they should not let the opinion of others influence them.
It is God who makes the person. When you have an obedient relationship with the Lord it shows. Others see this and you do not have to self promote; God will promote you in His time.
Others will see your good work and know what you are all about. If asked, they will tell all about the love you have for others and how hard you work. In the church, they will know God is working in your life and God will move you into the ministry He desires.
It is no overnight process and can seem as if no one is watching, but God has His eye on you and knows when is the right time to utilize those attributes you have gained in your daily relationship with Him.
Be not as those in Corinth who thought destroying the confidence of others would shape the church to the way they wanted, with leaders they wanted. For all will stand before the Lord one day and all will hope they shaped the church the way God wanted.
