100 Days to a Healthier ChurchSample

Day 76

Today’s Big Idea: Working together in God’s field, God’s building. An untended field doesn’t grow crops, it grows weeds. We’re called to produce crops. 

Key Verse: The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building (1 Corinthians 3:8–9).

Thoughts to Consider: Paul wrote this passage to scold the church in Corinth because groups in the church were competing on the basis of which leader they liked better (and you thought your church fought over petty things!). But Paul reminds them we’re all in this together. One plants, one waters, but as any farmer knows, no one goes out into the field at night and pulls on the plants to make them grow. The growing is up to God. 

In this passage, Paul uses three separate metaphors for the church in a span of twelve words. We are co-workers, we are God’s field, and we are God’s building. So which is it? We’re all three. In other words, we have a lot to do to help the church produce a healthy harvest. And others have a role that nourishes you. Humility is the key.