1 Corinthians chapter 4 verses 6 – 7 (NIV)
Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other. For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?
How often have we pushed ourselves to do things on God’s behalf that He has not asked us to do? This was surely a failing of the religious leadership at the time of Jesus. They put a heavy burden onto people which God never intended.
We too need to be careful, as Paul says, not to go beyond what is written, and impose traditions, conventions or customs upon new or young Christians. There were people in the book of Acts who tried to do that to Gentiles believers until the church leaders simplified things and wrote to them. Thank God that He never complicates things.
Dear Lord,
I pray that my heart remains tender and not puffed up. May I be an encouager to others and not a hindrance. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.