June 20

Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. But to me it is a very small thing that I should be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. 1 Corinthians 4:1-4.

Paul is warning us against introspection—the futile and destructive path of examining ourselves and being self-critical to the point of destroying our witness. Instead we are to let the world view us simply as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. The world will truly not understand all of this, but that should not deter us from our task. We are to be trustworthy servants—in every detail.

There is no room for indifference toward this examination by the Lord. We are not to assume that we can do no wrong. But when we are trustworthy to follow the Lord we can learn to accept His opinion of us. He will always have our destiny in mind—that we will be molded into the image of Christ. At the same time the people of this world system will examine us and often come to the wrong conclusions. That too is not to cause any dismay. Only the Spirit of the Lord can truly examine us and provide any correction to our way of life.

Dear Father, thank You for Your examination of me. I know it is done in love, and that You will always have my best interests at heart. Let me not be swayed by the world; I am not here to please men around me. I know that in Your mind my sins will be remembered no more. I give all praise to You for setting me on this path where I discover my new creation in Christ. Thank You again, Father. Amen.
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