I Corinthians 4  Paul compares himself and his fellow apostles to the church at Corinth...

 They think that they are wise.. "You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and I would indeed that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you.. " They thought themselves "superior".  They were judging themselves and each other by their own standards.. and thought they were already perfect.. " prudent.. strong.. distinguished.. "

But... Paul tells them that even he does not judge himself.. "but the one who examines me is the Lord." It is what the Lord sees.. in their hearts.. that matters. "Therefore do not go on passing judgement before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God." (v5)

The church was arrogant and boastful.. in contrast, Paul describes himself and his fellow apostles as "spectacles".. "We are fools for Christ's sake.. we are weak.. we are without honor...we are both hungry and thirsty.. poorly clothed.. roughly treated.. reviled.. persecuted.. slandered.. we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now." (v9-13)

Paul wants them... and us... to see that what matters is not the outward success and prosperity.. it is not just  our "words" that proclaim that we belong to the kingdom of God..  that make it so;  it is the "power" of God.. present and at work in the church.. in the individual.. building on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ.. with holiness, grace, love and faith.  Without God's power in us.. we are empty..without hope. 

Father in heaven, do not leave us in our self-deception and arrogance.. but lead us into all truth, knowing that Christ alone is our hope and our foundation.  We need the power of Your Spirit at work in us to bring us into all holiness and godliness.  Have Your way in us today, Lord, so that Your Name is exalted and Your Presence is made known. Thank You for this word.. open our eyes to see and our ears to hear.. that we might surrender all to You and rest.. not on our own wisdom.. but on Your power. We pray this in Jesus' name.. Amen.