Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 1 Corinthians 3:5 KJV
I was reading a devotional that spoke to “Over-Identification.”
It is defined* as an extraordinarily strong feeling that you are like someone else.
Because of this similarity, you can understand that person.
That you understand their situation.
You get so caught up in it that you fail to see your ability to make a change.
It is a strong feeling that could be harmful or unhealthy.
The same can be true in each of our lives.
We can compare ourselves with someone else or a group, desiring to be like them till we lose sight of who we really are.
We fail to recognize what our true abilities are.
In this passage, we see it happening in Corinth.
There were some believers who were wanting to be like Paul and Apollos.
They were trying to be more like them in all their ways.
Trying to copy their ways, instead of finding out who they really were in Christ.
They failed to realize that Paul and Apollos were servants of God.
There to aid in fulfilling God’s plans.
Their actions were ones that threatened the unity of the church.
They needed to understand that the Father has a position for all of us.
Let us not make the same mistake.
He has given each of us the knowledge, skills, and abilities to help complete His plan.
We are never to put our leaders in the place of God.
Our leaders are there to help lead and guide us in the right direction.
It is up to us to identify our calling.
Take the time to learn from our leaders.
But most of all be the one who listens to what the Lord is telling us.
Fulfilling what He has appointed us to do.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, we all have a place in doing Your will. We pray that we will abide in Your Word. Growing the more in grace. Knowing that as we do, each day we gain the wisdom and knowledge You desire us to have. Thank You for Your concern for us Father.
In Jesus’ Name We Pray, Amen
*dictionary.cambridge.org