Did you ever think as a child, “When I grow up, I want to be just like them?” Even as adults, we tend to admire people who emulate characteristics we have or wish we had. I’ve often dreamed of what it would be like to be a famous worship leader and can only imagine what it would be like to be on stage with some of my favorites: Chris Tomlin, Amy Grant, or Phil Wickham.
While having a hero on earth seems to be natural, Paul warns us about it here. In his day, as more and more people were believing that salvation comes only from Jesus, they must have been confusing the message with the messenger. Rather than focus our trust on humans, it is good counsel to pay more attention and give our allegiance to Jesus. Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus is “the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.”
Paul challenges the believers, telling them they’re not ready. While Paul’s words were meant to encourage the new believers and keep them on track, it’s a message we should all pay attention to. We’re living in the world, bombarded by contrary messages all the time. Are we ready for deep, spiritual truth, or are we still struggling? Are we being controlled by our sinful nature like Paul’s original audience?
Paul tells us what he saw. “You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other.” One only needs to open up a newspaper and read a few headlines or scroll on social media to see how caught up we can be in our sinful nature, too. I always like how Philippians 4:8 helps us reframe our thinking. “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
It’s also easy for us, especially new believers, to feel a certain attachment to the one who introduced us to Jesus. It was no different in Paul’s day, and he calls out Apollos and Peter, other great apostles of Jesus who taught truth and helped thousands find Jesus. Paul does a brilliant job of discussing how we all have a part in sharing about Jesus. While we have a common purpose, some of us plant the seed of faith and some of us water and nurture it. “Both will be rewarded for their own hard work.” God alone grows our faith and reaps the harvest of our soul.
Paul uses a helpful analogy of a foundation being laid. “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.” Many will try to confuse the issue and try to say that everything is up to our power. Just look at the abundant selection of self-help resources available. Are those the voices you’re listening to? Or perhaps you’ve heard people pointing to the universe as being in control, or that our feelings should be our guide in life. No, this is bad counsel. Paul is clear that our foundation is Jesus Christ.
We are precious to God. He includes us as part of His temple. We are set apart from the foolish world. While the world tries to suck us in so that we “fit in” or “keep the peace,” we are called to be better than that. Don’t be discouraged when the world finds you foolish for your faith. You are not alone. There are lots of us trying our best to remain steadfast and true.
Remember this and reflect on it often. “Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.” That’s quite a promise! I know who I will be looking up to.
Let’s pray. Father, it is so hard sometimes to shut out the noise of the world and focus only on You. I know that is the best way, and yet I am weak sometimes. Forgive me. You are the one I look up to for life, for direction, for truth, for love. Jesus is my hero. My heart overflows with gratitude for all that you are and all that you have promised. Thank you for all your provisions now and yet to come. Jesus is the true foundation I build upon. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
