Read 1 Corinthians 3:10–23

Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a “fool” so that he may become wise.

1 Corinthians 3:18

Young ministers often asked Dr. G. Campbell Morgan the secret of his pulpit success. Morgan replied, “I always say to them the same thing— work; hard work; and again, work!” Morgan was in his study at six o’clock each morning, digging treasures out of the Bible. Lazy preachers and Sunday school teachers will have much to answer for at the judgment seat of Christ—and so will preachers and teachers who steal material from others instead of studying and making it their own.

It comes as a shock to some church members that we cannot manage a local church the same way we run a business. This does not mean we should disregard good business principles, but the operation is totally different. There is a wisdom of this world that works for the world, but it will not work for the church.

The world depends on promotion, prestige, and the influence of money and important people. The church depends on prayer, the power of the Spirit, humility, sacrifice, and service. The church that imitates the world may seem to succeed in time, but it will turn to ashes in eternity.

Something to Ponder

In what ways do you try to help your church be the best it can be?