Within the Boundaries

3.19.2011

1 Corinthians 4:6 6 Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not take pride in one man over against another. NIV

Paul was dealing with a newly established church and with people who were new to the Lord and all that goes along with that. He began his letter to them to point out some areas and practices where they were deficient. He wasn’t grading them on a scale, he was simply trying to get them on the right track in their thinking and in their assembling so that they could effectively learn and live their lives before the Lord. Paul was trying to help them to stay within the boundaries of truth and orderliness.

Remarkably, we struggle with a lot of the same issues today and even more so because of denominationalism and other practices in the modern church. We seem to be so hung up on which church is truly preaching and practicing the truth, and spending more and more time on doing less and less. Paul would probably say to us, whoa folks, back up the bus, don’t go beyond what is written! The reason that saying existed at all, was because they were going beyond what is written; and the result was factiousness, party spirit, and the embryos of denominations. Pride and jockeying for position are not new to the church…

I see it as impossible for us to all see things the same way; there has simply been too much water under the bridge. But I can control me, and I can live in step with Jesus by His Spirit, and not go beyond what is written – but if I do so with anything more than love and humility, I’ve already lost it. Paul’s immortal words are there for our present benefit, and heaven ought to be one place where we don’t argue over who is the greatest.

Father in Heaven,
We’ve muddled this so badly that it is even hard to figure out how to apply this in our present day. So I have to take care of my life and live it effectively in front of others regardless of their response. Maybe there is some true in the saying, to thine own heart be true. I would add, as long as it’s lived out faithfully in front of You! Amen.