1 Corinthians 4:1-4 relates an interesting sentiment by the great apostle Paul. “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.” There is too much in the passage to unpack it all in this short space. I want to emphasize one aspect of Paul’s declaration.
Paul was God’s servant, and he knew just how important it was for him to be faithful in his service to the Lord. How can we know whether we are faithful to the Lord? It requires diligence: seen in Bible study, self-reflection, and heeding the counsel of others. Of the three, Bible study is the standard we finally look to in determining our standing with God. “…And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books” (Revelation 20:12).
When men criticize us, we must listen to what they say. If the criticism (when compared to God’s word) is valid, we should change. However, men do not judge us. The key is whether the criticism is valid. The criticism of Paul was not. So, if you hear of criticism of a Christian, don’t accept it at face value. Our responsibility is to believe the best of our fellow Christians. Instead, the book (Bible) is to be consulted to see whether the charges are true. This is the aspect of the Berean’s character that Paul declared was “noble” or “fair-minded” in Acts 17:11.
Further, if we criticize another, we need to be careful. Are they truly doing wrong? Are we ourselves acting with integrity and righteousness? Remember, just because we think we are right does not give us leave to treat others unrighteously “in defense of the truth.”
If we think in our own minds, “I’m OK with God”, that does not make it so. We are not our own judges, God is. That is ultimately all that matters. And this is why he wrote that his judgment, or the judgment of others was “a very small thing.” Only God’s judgment matters.
Paul defended himself. But he didn’t argue it ad infinitum. In fact, he admonished others not to involve themselves in endless fights bringing division (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:3). That is carnal behavior. Remember, it is not the loudest voice that should sway our judgment in any matter, it is the righteous one! History has born it out, and ultimately it will be ratified in heaven — Paul’s condemnation was not just. He was a righteous steward of God.
