1 Corinthians Day 22 - Humility

4:6 Now these things, brethren, I have applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. 7 For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

If there is one quality we lack as individuals it is humility. We have a perspective which in itself is not wrong but it quickly becomes wrong when we conclude our perspective is the only correct perspective and then proceed to demand that everyone see things as we see them and do things as we do them.

Paul yesterday spoke about humility even though he never used the word. He said he had a view or judgment of himself but knew it was meaningless. That requires humility. It takes a humble heart to consider the very real possibility that my view may be warped or flat out wrong. 

Today Paul is telling us that he has applied this truth to himself and Apollos. Why would he need to do that? Because they don't always agree. They differences of opinion and perspective. An arrogant heart would quickly assume that "I am right and he is wrong" and a fight would ensue to ensure my opinion gains the supremacy.

What Paul is saying very clearly is: "You don't see Apollos and I fighting over our minor differences so why are you? Everything you learned you learned from us and we're not divided so why are you? We don't boast so why do you? We don't fight for the supremacy so why do you? Why are you taking what we have written and adding to it? Why don't you take the same humble approach we have toward each other and toward the minor issues which are not the Foundation? Why are you acting like the teacher when you were the students? 

Humility. God chose Moses because he was the most humble man. 

This quote is from Proverbs 6:16 

These six things the Lord hates,

Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

17 A proud look,

A lying tongue,

Hands that shed innocent blood,

18 A heart that devises wicked plans,

Feet that are swift in running to evil,

19 A false witness who speaks lies,

And one who sows discord among brethren.

Evil starts with pride and the rest follows. The antidote is humility. Humility is found in looking to Jesus rather than looking inward or around us. How can I look at the cross with my Saviour dying while even His best have turned from Him and feel an ounce of pride?

Humility leads to love and love covers a multitude of sins.