The NIV 365 Day Devotional

Seeking Power vs. Seeking God

In 1 Corinthians 1, Paul establishes that God does not choose leaders based on their eloquence, intelligence or human wisdom, but based on God’s own wisdom and power. Chapter 2 continues this train of thought. While Paul himself was well-educated and intelligent, he did not come to the Corinthians in his own strength or eloquence, but “in weakness and with great fear and trembling” (1Co 2:3). Paul wanted God to be the reason he spoke to the people. He wanted his words to be filled with Jesus Christ who was crucified (death by crucifixion was considered a curse in the ancient world).

Paul came to the Corinthians this way so they would not be confused. They would not think, “Look how great Paul is!” but instead say, “Look how great God is!” Paul wanted his message and preaching to demonstrate God’s Spirit empowering him (v. 4). This would turn the Corinthians’ focus away from Paul, the powerful speaker, to God the powerful God (v. 5).

Such a truth remains key for leadership and power today. Do we use the gifts God gave us to show how great we are or to show God’s power in us? Whether we are called to speak in front of crowds or to our neighbor, are we aiming to look great ourselves or for God’s greatness to be obvious in us? This should also caution us when we choose leaders and give people power over us. Are they seeking their own power or God’s?

Taken from the NIV Upside-Down Kingdom Bible.