1 Corinthians 3

Once again another lesson in humility.

Who is Paul? Oh, just the guy who spearheaded the Christian missionary movement from Palestine and Syria into Rome and beyond. He planted churches in Asia Minor, Greece, and Italy, and possibly even Spain. Who is Paul? Well, he's no one apart from Christ.

Who am I? Without Christ, I am nothing. Without Christ I have no foundation to build a life upon. With him--I am a part of the body of Christ, with potential to be an expert servant, and the calling to work the fields until he brings the harvest. But I am nothing on my own.

Ah yes, but pride that comes from a relationship with Christ is good. It is a pride based on the character of the perfect one, and a pride that is built on his glory and not my own. I take pride in a God who can die. I take pride in suffering for the Gospel. I take pride in building for another. I take pride in building things that will last forever, but cannot truly be understood in this life. I take pride in his flesh and blood broken for me, not my own strength and power. I take pride in being a part of the family of God, not in my status in that family.

And the reward for such upside down thinking? All is yours, Paul says. Because it belongs to Christ, and Christ gives the blessings freely. And Christ belongs to God. If I have the mind of Christ, and if I build on his foundation, then I too am God's--adopted, heir, and loved by the one who made all things.

So take pride in Christ, because he has made you a child of God through his sacrifice. Bury your pride in anything that does not give glory to God. It is futile, fruitless, and false.

Thank you, Jesus, for lifting me up today. Take my pride, my designs. Crush them. Please raise me up in your love, that I might take pride and delight in the work of my Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. Amen.