A Very Small Thing

For all of those so quick to cry, “Judge not!” and are so concerned over the judgement of another. Here’s a lesson from Paul we all need to take to heart.

“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 4:3-4)

A very, “small” thing. The Greek word for small used here is, “elachistos”. It means the least of all things. That’s how much importance Paul put on what other people thought of him. Paul didn’t even put stock in his own judgment of self. The only one that Paul gave a wit about was the judgment of the Lord.

We are judged by the law. The law brings sin to the forefront. It brings sin to the forefront of man’s consciousness. The law judges the man. It also condemns him. The law never saved anyone, but the saving grace of Jesus Christ does. This is why Paul was so focused on Christ. While the law killed, Jesus brought to life. Even if someone rejects Christ and Christianity, the knowledge of the law still convicts man’s heart and consciousness. The apostate then suffers double. He suffers a hell on earth being convicted by the law then suffers actual hell for all of eternity.

Paul had a great knowledge of the law being a Pharisee, but he knew that peace, that tranquility of soul, and salvation, can only come through Christ.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)

Bill Hitchcock