DON'T JOIN THE RAT RACE

APRIL 2ND.
TEXT: 1 Corinthians 3:1-6King James Version (KJV)
1.   And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto canal, even as unto babes in Christ.
2.    I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were notable to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
3.   For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
4.   For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
5.   Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed,even as the Lord gave to every man?
6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

You are created a masterpiece with an outstanding unique grace by God in your generation with divine authorization. Thank God for your uniqueness,and be content being you.

CONTEMPLATION  
One of the serious hindrances to worship among Christians is our subtle unhealthy desire to outdo the ‘Joneses’. Motivated by our selfishness, greed and an unhealthy spirit of rivalry, we embark on projects, programs and activities that we hope will make others consider us a force to be reckoned with. The most annoying thing about this is that we claim to have been instructed of God to do what we do. When the reason we embark on anything is to be seen, heard and rewarded, then we have missed it. This is the spirit that motivated Cane to kill Abel. It is the same spirit that motivated King Jeroboam to erect a strange alter in Israel and caused the people to sin against God (1Kings 12:27- 33). When a leader suddenly has to put together an event just after he heard of what the other person is trying to do, he is motivated by a spirit of strife. To further substantiate it, they will go on to plan it for the same day, time and geographical location. The major problem with the building of the tower of Babel was their motive to “make a name for themselves,” and before long it failed.  

PRACTICAL ISSUES
When our heart is biased, we will only applaud and associate with that which appeals to us and ignore that which does not. Until you come with an open heart, you cannot hear or see what God is doing through someone else. When our heart is biased, our prayer points will bean extension of our quarrel with somebody, and God will have nothing to do with it. We will never see the greater glory of God until we learn to acknowledge and celebrate His gifts and graces upon others.