All our abilities should be used in serving others; none are for our own exclusive enjoyment. Peter mentions speaking and serving, while Paul lists these and other abilities in Roman 12:6-8; 1 Corth 12:8-11; Eph 4:11.
How is God glorified when we use abilities? When we use them as He directs, to help others, they will see Jesus in us and praise him for the help they have received. Peter may have been thinking of Jesus’ words, “Let your lights so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven,” (Mathew 5:16).
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him,” (Col 3:17).
Doing “all in the name of the Lord Jesus” means bringing honour to Christ in every aspect and activity of daily living. As a Christian, you represent Christ at all times — wherever you go and whatever you say. What impression do people have of Christ when they see or talk with you? What changes would you make in your life in order to honour Christ?
“According to the grace of God, which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11: For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12: Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw. 13: Each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14: If anyone’s work, which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15: If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire,” (1 Cor 3:10-15).
3:10, 11: The foundation of the church – of all believers – is Jesus Christ. Paul laid this foundation (by preaching Christ) when he began the church at Corinth. Whoever builds the church – officers, teachers, preachers, parents, and others – must build with high quality materials (right doctrine and right living, 3:12ff) that meet God’s standards. Paul is not criticising Apollos, but challenging future church leaders to have sound preaching and teaching.
3:11: A building is only as solid as its foundation. The foundation of our lives is Jesus Christ; he is our base, our reason for being. Everything we are and do must fit into the pattern provided by Him. Are you building your life on the only real and lasting foundation, or are you building on a faulty foundation such as wealth, security, success, or fame?
•Email:mercyolumide2004@yahoo.co.uk. www.thebiblicalwomanhood.com. Mobile: +234 803 344 6614; +234 808 123 7987.
