Universal Utterings®
for September 6, 2024

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09-06-2024 1 Corinthians 4 V-0105 Manifest Motives of our Hearts

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First Letter to the Corinthians 4 v-One thru Five

1 Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Now it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 3 It does not concern me in the least that I be judged by you or any human tribunal; I do not even pass judgment on myself; 4 I am not conscious of anything against me, but I do not thereby stand acquitted; the one who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore, do not make any judgment before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God.

This is the passage in which the Apostle Paul addresses issues of leadership, judgment, and accountability within the early Christian community in Corinth. In this text, Paul emphasizes the importance of viewing leaders as "servants of Christ" and "stewards of the mysteries of God." This perspective shifts the focus from human judgment and status to divine accountability, emphasizing humility and faithfulness in leadership.

Paul begins by stating that leaders should be regarded as servants, which reflects a foundational Christian principle that true leadership is characterized by service rather than authority or power. The term "stewards" indicates that leaders are entrusted with responsibilities that do not belong to them but are meant to advance God’s kingdom. This stewardship involves a commitment to managing the teachings and truths of the faith with integrity.

In verse 2, Paul highlights that the primary requirement of a steward is to be found faithful. This notion of faithfulness implies consistency, reliability, and adherence to God’s mission, rather than seeking approval from humans. Paul contrasts the often fickle judgments of people with the ultimate judgment of God, reminding the Corinthians that human opinions are transient and often misguided.

In verses 3-5, Paul expresses that he is unconcerned with being judged by human standards, nor does he judge himself. He emphasizes that only the Lord can accurately assess a person's motives and actions, and it is this divine judgment that ultimately matters. This passage encourages believers to focus on being faithful to their calling rather than seeking validation from others.

Overall, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 serves as a powerful reminder of the nature of Christian leadership, urging both leaders and congregants to prioritize faithfulness to God over human approval. It is what we need today. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20

09-06-2024 1 Corinthian 4 V-0105

**Manifest Motives of our Hearts**

In the heart of Corinth, a message unfolds,

Of servants and stewards, a truth to behold.

Paul speaks of leaders, not crowned in their might,

But humble and faithful, who walk in His light.

"Regard us," he says, "as Christ’s chosen few,

Not lords on a throne, but with purpose anew.

For we are but servants, our hearts set on grace,

Entrusted with mysteries, in God’s warm embrace."

The call to be faithful, the task to be true,

In stewardship's calling, our mission shines through.

It’s not human judgment that measures our worth,

But the eyes of the Lord, who created the earth.

"Judge not by appearance, nor seek worldly praise,

For the truth of our actions will echo for days.

I care not for verdicts that come from the crowd,

In God’s perfect wisdom, my heart is unbowed."

So let us remember, in all that we do,

To serve with our talents, to love and be true.

For when the day comes, and we stand face to face,

It’s faithfulness, not fame, that gives us our place.

In the tapestry woven, where each thread is divine,

We find our true calling, in His grand design.

As servants and stewards, we rise and we stand,

In unity bound, by the grace of His hand. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

September 6, 2024 @ 06:03 AM EST

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