I Want To Be Recognized
“For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” I Corinthians 3:9
The church at Corinth was a struggling bunch. They were not struggling with church finances and ministry programs and the like that seem to pervade churches today. They were struggling with pride and a lot of it.
In the very first chapter, it is clear that they were at odds on who was the best teacher. Some followed Paul, others Peter and some Apollos. They took great pride in their teachers, to the point that it would be a prevailing personal fight for several chapters in the book.
You see, we have a cancer in humanity. We desire reorganization. Once, when we had a house full of company, my little grandson all of a sudden went completely out of his character and started acting like something wild. I called him aside and asked him, “Son, what in the world is wrong with you?” He was silent for a moment and answered, “I don’t know, Papa.” Pressing the issue, I asked again, “Why are you acting this way?” Almost tearfully, he looked up at me with his huge brown, glistening eyes and said, “I just want them to see me, Papa.”
I quickly informed him that everyone was seeing him but they would not like what they were seeing. But, in that moment, from the response of a little child, I was instructed with a lesson of life. We want recognition.
Churches are filled with people who, if not recognized and patted on the back when they do something, get their feelings hurt and go away pouting and plotting.
This church in Corinth, and ultimately us as well, was called to a serious truth of God. All of what we do and all that we are a part of belongs to God. Paul called them to understand the part of every believer in the scheme of God. (6) “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. (7) So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-7
If there is any recognition due, it is due to God. We are only servants, serving the Master of the universe. It is He who works though us to bring about the accomplishment of any task. There is no room for me to take any credit in His workings. There is no need for you or me to be seen. The world is not saved by you or me. It is saved by Him.
So, when we say to God, “I just want them to see me, Papa,” He will say to us through this principle, “It’s my service son. It’s my field. It’s my building. Let them see Me, son!”
The next time you think you have done something so wonderful, think it over. Was it you or Him working through you? And, if they do see you, meet you and forget you, they have lost nothing. If they do not see Him and meet Him, they have lost EVERYTHING!