The Bible reveals that all gifts, skills, talents, and abilities come from God. This means that when someone does well at church, home, school, or work we should first think of God who gave the skill and secondly the conduit of the ability God has given. Sports stars would do well to remember this; Politicians would do well to remember this; Even some pastors would do well to remember this. If we remember that without God there would be nothing, we can find good reason to look on others as equal. We all have a soul and are created with the dignity of being in the image of God.
1 Corinthians 4: 6,7
Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not take pride in one man over against another. 7For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?
Questions
- Who are the two main figures Paul uses as illustrations about division?
- Beyond what should the Corinthians not go?
- What is truly the origin of difference between one person and another?
- How do we cope with issues such as disability and retardation if God is cited as the source of difference? (Hint: is Paul talking about negative distinctions between people?)
- Where do you see boasting about differences in your life or in the life of others?
Plymothian 