1 Corinthians 4:8-12

8Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have become
kings—and that without us! How I wish that you really had become kings so that
we might be kings with you! 9For it seems to me that God has put us apostles
on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena.
We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men.
10We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are
strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! 11To this very hour we go hungry
and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. 12We work
hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted,
we endure it; 13when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we
have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.

MEDITATION
1. Paul mocks the Corinthian Christians’ claim that they’ve achieved spiritual
perfection by contrasting their condition with his suffering for the gospel.
Spiritual pride is an indication that we are insecure or afraid of life’s
uncontrollable ambiguities.  Trust in God’s absolute reliability will aid in
times of sorrow and serves as a guide when all is well.
2. What does “trust in God’s absolute reliability” mean to me?  Have I
experienced God’s faithfulness?  What was it?  Thank God for that experience
again.  Pray for the increase of my trust in God.

Personal Note:
Do I suffer from spiritual pride?  How do I protect myself from this harm to myself and to others?  Let's spend more time in prayer and seeking God's direction.  I am to humble before God in repenting of my sins.

God is absolutely reliable in a ll circumstances.  Whether I am healthy or not, wealthy or not, popular or not, God can be totally depended upon.  God has always been faithful in His promise to me.