The exemplary way the Apostle Paul wrote the Corinthians is helpful regarding motives of service and rewards (1 Cor. 4). As a servant of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God, he was not affected by the carnal judgment of the Corinthians. Having received his ministry from the Lord, serving in view of the judgment seat of Christ was all that mattered to him. Man’s evaluation was of small importance.
This did not set aside the importance of the issue, for faithfulness is required of stewards (vs. 2), nor are any of us autonomous, having no one to whom we must give an account. Everyone must give an account of what has been entrusted to them.
The great apostle did not set aside the Corinthian’s judgment because he considered himself as having a superior or better judgment. On the contrary, he said, “I am conscious of nothing in myself; but I am not justified by this: but He that examines me is the Lord” (vs. 4 JND). He did not make any attempt to appraise his own life and conduct. Even though he was not aware of anything wrong, he did not take a superior place toward others, nor did he defend a position of righteousness with words like Job said to his three friends. Later Job had to be humbled in the presence of the Lord.
In saying these things, we are not discouraging the need to heed godly counsel from brethren. We all should have an open ear for help and advice. God has given some better discernment than others. But we are speaking of the motive of service and its reward. We must have a single eye concerning this, looking only to Him.
The Counsels of the Heart
“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts” (vs. 5). Did not the Lord reveal His ability to do this when the disciples criticized the woman for wasting the ointment! He told them, “Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her” (Matt. 26:1313Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. (Matthew 26:13)). He manifested the counsels of her heart, and He brought to light the hidden things of darkness from their hearts. Perhaps even she herself did not realize all that the Lord brought out, for we do not know our own hearts.
The counsels of the heart go beyond the service done to include the motives behind the action. The Lord alone is able to discern this. The secret springs of the inmost heart and the motives in others we cannot see. Service for the Lord, on the one hand, can be done with a good outward appearance, but for reasons of self-aggrandizement and pride. This the Lord in His time will bring to light. On the other hand, there are often attempts to serve the Lord that appear as failure, but the heart was right, and the Lord will make this known with His approval. This is a great encouragement. The Lord’s reward is worth waiting for and keeps our eye single. May He give us to serve faithfully, doing the right thing for the right motive — His glory and honor. Then it can be told for a memorial of us. “Then shall every man have [his] praise [from] God.”
D. C. Buchanan