Happy Wednesday! In a world filled with celebrities we often find ourselves trying to keep up with what is going on in their lives. We watch t.v. shows, read social media reports and speculate about their futures, relationships and whether they are worth the effort of following. Other times, we try to mimic their lives and will defend it in ways we wouldn’t defend our own family members. Today, in 1 Corinthians we will read Paul’s take on followers. Enjoy and have a wonderful day.

“¹⁰ I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters,^[c] by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. ¹¹ For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters.¹² Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,^[d]” or “I follow only Christ.”

¹³ Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not! ¹⁴ I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, ¹⁵ for now no one can say they were baptized in my name. ¹⁶ (Oh yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas, but I don’t remember baptizing anyone else.) ¹⁷ For Christ didn’t send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News—and not with clever speech, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 NLT

Brothers and sisters, Paul was addressing the Corinthian church because there was division within the church. People were putting too much emphasis on leaders they followed than on the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, Paul was clear that he had no authority over the cross, that Jesus Christ alone is the authority and Paul as a follower of Christ, his role was to preach the Good News (the gospel of Jesus Christ).

Today, as we listen to preachers, read their messages and attend church we must remember that they are servants of Christ they are not Christ. Our relationship with God and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ should always be the ruling authority in our lives. That way when there is a shift in leadership or pastors we will not be shaken or easily swayed because our ultimate goal is to follow Christ and share the gospel message with the world.

Lets do a quick check up:

• Who are you following?
• Are you following and praising them more than you are following and praising God?
• Are you following God’s word more than you are following the words of others?

Sisters and brothers, it’s time to put more effort in following the One who came and died for our sins.

Father God, thank you for your grace and mercy on our lives. Thank you for salvation and your word that leads us in our daily lives. Lord, we thank you for the faithful leaders, preachers and ministers of your word around the world. Lord, forgive us for the times when we worshipped and followed other leaders over following you. Lord, continue to unveil our eyes so that we will continue to put you and the Good News first. Lord, we want to be followers of you. We want to live our lives fully surrendered to your will and your truth. Lord, help us to be united in our faith and purpose. Lord, guide us in our walk and teach us how to live a life that is pleasing to you. Lord, equip us in the faith, keep us focused on your truth and help us to apply it to our lives. Lord, we also pray for leaders, teachers, missionaries, pastors and ministers around the world. Lord, may their hearts be as humble as Paul. Lord, may you strengthen their faith and encourage them as they share the Good News to others. Lord, protect them from the attacks of the enemy. Keep them pure in heart and faithful to your word. Lord, remove the veil of false teachers and lead their followers to the true freedom that is in Christ Jesus. Lord, transform us daily as we seek to serve and follow you with our whole heart. In Jesus name, amen.

Keep praying! Keep trusting! Keep pursuing the Lord!

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