Arrogant

In Paul's first letter to the church at Corinth (the first one we have), he addresses various problems in a troubled church. The first problem he addresses is the problem of division. For four chapters he talks about this problem and how to address it. A major cause of division appears to be arrogance. He warns them not to "go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another." (1 Cor 4:6). "Puffed up." That is a pretty picture, isn't it? Looking large, but in reality just a lot of hot air. He asks them, "What do you have that you did not receive?" and then drills in further with, "If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?" (1 Cor 4:7). Paul is deeply concerned with this arrogance.

It might seem like a surprise, then, when Paul tells them, "I urge you, then, be imitators of me." (1 Cor 4:16). "Whoa, now, Paul," we're tempted to say, "that is arrogant." Is it? It is if you take it out of context. What is the context?

Paul has been urging them to have a more realistic view of themselves. They thought they were rich. They thought they were kings (1 Cor 4:8). Instead, he said, "God has exhibited us apostles as last of all." (1 Cor 4:9). He says the Apostles were "a spectacle to the world" (1 Cor 4:9), "fools for Christ's sake," "weak," "in disrepute." (1 Cor 4:10). He says they are hungry and thirsty, poorly dressed, buffeted, homeless, working with their hands, reviled, persecuted, slandered, the "scum of the world" (his words, not mine), the "refuse of all things." (1 Cor 4:10-13). His aim is "You think you're so good and so well off and so important? Look at those of us you call 'Apostles'. We're not."

It is, then, in this context that Paul tells his "beloved children" (1 Cor 4:14), "Be imitators of me." Not, "I'm so wonderful and strong and spiritual and you should try to be like me." No. It is a call to recognize that in and of themselves they are weak, foolish, disreputable, poor, hungry, reviled. "Be imitators of me." Grasp the reality of who we are and then walk in the gift of the power of God.

This doesn't sit well with us, of course. We know we're better. We know we're wiser, richer, stronger. We know we're more honorable, more commendable, more spiritual. And Paul's message to Corinth in order to fight division is, "No, you're not. Recognize that God didn't call the wise, the strong, the exalted. He called the opposite. (1 Cor 1:26-29) He called you. He called me." Because only from this basis can we properly appreciate God's work in and through us that gives glory to God in and through us.