God Makes It Grow

Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthian church to correct
several problems. The Corinthian's needed instruction in marriage,
Christian freedom, worship, and various issues which tended to cause
division. He rebuked the church for quarreling about whom they
followed: "You are still worldly... For when one says, 'I follow
Paul,' and another, 'I follow Apollos,' are you not mere men?" (1
Corinthians 3:3,4).

Apollos was a good teacher, but Paul reminds us that all ministers of
the Gospel - all preachers, teachers, parents, and anyone else who
desires to share Biblical truths - are simply servants through whom
God accomplishes His work. We become worldly and fail to live
according to the Spirit of God any time we become followers of a
specific minister or feel responsible for someone's growth and maturity.

1 Corinthians 3:5-6
"What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants,
through whom you came to believe - as the Lord has assigned to each
his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow."

We must always remain exclusive followers of Jesus Christ! Though He
may use many others to assist in the process, God must receive ALL
the credit and glory for our growth. In the same manner, God uses
each of us to ASSIST in the growth of others. We can teach truth
with our words and demonstrate truth with our lives, but we can never
cause someone to accept the truth or even grow to a deeper understanding.

We are instructed to plant the seed of His Word and water with
discipleship, prayer, and encouragement at every opportunity; "We are
therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal
through us" (2 Corinthians 5:20).

As we plant and water, it's normal to want to see some growth. We
may desire to see blossoms overnight, but God is growing a mighty
shade tree with deep roots and wide branches that will not break in
the wind - and this kind of growth takes time. We may NEVER see the
eternal results of our effort, but we must patiently continue to
plant and water, and trust God to accomplish His work; "{My Word}
will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and
achieve the purpose for which I have sent it" (Isaiah 55:11).

Each of us knows someone who needs to know our Heavenly Father in a
more personal way. There are great ministry opportunities placed in
our path every day. Let's obediently follow by being well nourished
and casting forth the seed and water of His Word without becoming
discouraged. Let's remember we are the servants through whom He
works, but let's ALWAYS remember that God makes it grow!

Have a Great Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

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Scripture references: The Holy Bible: New International Version.
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.

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P.O. Box 190
Lorena, TX 76655
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