Measuring Success and Achievement by God's Standards

Daily Scripture Threshing for Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Today's Text: 1 Corinthians 3:5-7

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 3:7 (ESV): "So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth."

In this verse, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the sovereign role of God in the growth and development of believers. The metaphor of planting and watering is used to illustrate the roles of human ministers, such as Paul and Apollos, in the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 3:5-6). However, Paul quickly adds that neither the planter nor the waterer is anything, emphasizing their insignificance apart from God's empowering presence. The phrase "but only God who gives the growth" shows us God's exclusive role in bringing about spiritual growth and increase.It is not to us; but to God all glory be given because it is He who "gives the growth." This is in the present tense to indicate God's ongoing, continuous work in our lives as believers.

In essence, our effort and ministry are mere instruments in God's hands. Ultimately, it is God who brings about the growth, increase, and fruitfulness that we desire. This truth should humble us, regardless of our achievements. We must recognize our dependence on God's power and grace, and motivate us to seek His empowering presence in all our endeavors. Achievement, success, fame, wealth, and accomplishments are often measured by human standards. But this text calls on Christians to redefine our achievements by God's standards. Today's scripture reminds us that our efforts, talents, and skills are nothing without God's empowerment.

Action Steps: Ask God to help you redefine achievement by His standards, focusing on faithfulness, obedience, and serving others. Recognize that your efforts and talents are nothing without God's empowerment. Pray for His guidance and strength in all you do. Serve God and others with humility, acknowledging that true achievement comes from Him, not human recognition. Prioritize eternal impact over temporary human achievements. Invest in people, relationships, and kingdom work that will outlast you.

Quote for the Day: "The greatest achievement is continuing to serve God with humility and faithfulness." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, help me to redefine achievement by Your standards, focusing on faithfulness, obedience, and serving others. Give me the strength and guidance to serve You with humility, and prioritize eternal impact over temporary human achievements. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Psalm 127:1-2; Proverbs 10:25; and Matthew 6:19-20.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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