1-2 Look at Apollos and me as mere servants of Christ who have been put in charge of explaining God’s mysteries. Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. 3-4 As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you, or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgement on this point. My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide. 5 So don’t make judgements about anyone ahead of time - before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.

6 Dear brothers and sisters, I have used Apollos and myself to illustrate what I’ve been saying. If you pay attention to what I have quoted from the Scriptures, you won’t be proud of one of your leaders at the expense of another. 7 For what gives you the right to make such a judgement? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And, if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift? 1 Corinthians 4:1-7 New Living Translation.

We've seen already that there were cliques in this Church and that each group was bragging that their 'pastor' was the best. But how does Paul say we should look upon those who have leadership roles in the Church - and what does God look for in such men? (vs 1-2).

How did Paul feel about those who were critical of him, and why was he able to adopt this response? (vs 3-4).

We'll come back to vs 3-4, but note the important truth in verse 5. It's foolish for us to pass judgements on any leader who is trying to serve God faithfully - because only God knows the true motives behind what they do or say. He knows who is serving Jesus for the right reasons, or with wrong motives. And He knows our motives and the secret things of our lives too - and this will be shown when we stand before Him one day! That’s something to take seriously to heart.

What's the other reason Paul gives why we shouldn't brag about whoever it is that God has used to bless our lives? (vs 6-7) Surely it's because any skills they have are what God has given them, not because they're so clever. They are only human so we mustn't make 'little gods' of them. And that's just as true of us too. We're not called to brag about what we do for Jesus – only to be faithful!

But take a moment to think on verses 3-4 again. Can you apply that to when anyone is critical about you, especially about the way you're trying to follow and serve the Lord? It doesn't mean we mustn't listen to things people might say – there may be something we can learn from them. But ultimately what matters most is our own conscience before the Lord, and what He would say to us! But remember, Paul says conscience is not always accurate – so it's not a bad thing to ask God often to search our hearts and to bring to our minds anything that He wants us to deal with in our lives. Better now than on the day we finally stand before Him!