How we view things changes our attitude and behaviour. And Paul is concerned that the Corinthians should view him and the other Christian leaders in two fundamental ways.

First, they should regard Paul and Apollos as ″servants of Christ″ (1 Corinthians 4:1). The word ″servant″ is often used to describe a lowly domestic worker, but here, the word means ″subordinate″. They are not superstars, but neither are they the Corinthians' pets, to be at their beck and call. A Christian leader's first allegiance is to Christ, serving the church in ways that please Him, not necessarily the congregation.

Second, they should view Paul and Apollos as ″stewards″ (NKJV) or ″those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed″ (v. 1). Stewards were high-ranking servants who were deemed trustworthy and often given more responsibilities. The steward would prove that he was reliable and faithful by fulfilling his tasks. Paul's point is that he and his fellow workers have been entrusted with the greatest of tasks-to pass on the gospel (which God had kept hidden in the past but had now revealed in Jesus) and not to lose it or drop it along the way (see 15:3, 11).

Because Paul's task is so weighty, he will be held accountable. But, crucially, it will be God who will judge-not the Corinthians, and not even Paul himself (4:3-4). The trouble with any human assessment of any spiritual work is that it sees only part of the story. It cannot see everything; Paul's conscience is clear, but he may be blind to his faults. And it cannot see human motives; only God sees it all. One day, everything will come to light. On that day, ″each will receive their praise from God″ (v. 5). Encouragingly (and maybe in contrast to the too-quick-to-judge Corinthians), God is not out to condemn His children, but to praise them.

Dear Father, help me to see Christian leaders as both servants and stewards, lowly and yet entrusted with the precious and awesome task of passing on the good news intact. Thank You for rewarding faithful and trustworthy ministry. Help me to encourage my leaders, and please keep them faithful.