1 Corinthians 4:6-7  And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
⁷ For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

Paul was distraught over what he was hearing about the church at Corinth.  While they had many gifts from God, some of those receiving those gifts were puffing themselves up with their own importance.

Pride of service can be as deadly as any other sin when we forget the abilities and positions we have were given to us by God.  As the Jewish leaders were puffed up about their positions in society as leaders, so Christians can be so enthralled with the positions they have attained and become worthless to God.

If we are not careful we can think we are greater than we are; we have a position of authority therefore we deserve the utmost respect and those that do not give it to us are going to be sorry.  We see it all the time in the world, the distain of the ‘little’ people by the rich, famous and powerful.

They are so full of themselves that no one else matters.  To many of these other people are to be used, not respected, to be pawns or servants to them and if the ‘little people’ don’t like or appreciate these actions towards them, then they are replaced with those that will fawn over them and do what they are told. 

Those in authority, particularly religious authority, over others have a responsibility to use their authority to help their constituents, not destroy them; to build, not to tear down.  Puffed up these people become so enthralled with themselves that they cannot see the truth of their actions and cannot see how it is effecting their relationship with God, until it is too late.

Paul’s admonition to the church at Corinth is also a good reminder to us that it is very easy to slip into these prideful attitudes of even our gifts from God.  We must always be aware and careful that we do not become so enthralled with how God is using us, that we forget it IS God using us!  We are but a conduit of His; speaking His truths with the gifts He has provided us.

Verses 14-16  I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
¹⁵ For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
¹⁶ Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

May we be as Paul was, truthful, forthright, but humble in our service to God.  Always focused on doing His will, no matter where it may lead us. 

Later, Dad :-)