A Master Builder

Paul, as a master builder of people, labored to the end that the image of Christ could be formed in those he was ministering to. ^{1 Cor 3:10} The people of Corinth were but one field he worked in and what was left behind was the testimony or the fruit of his labor.

2 Cor 3:2

Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

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The Corinthian church was known to be both spiritually aware and naturally gluttonous. The presence of such inconsistencies in itself was not the “tell” of Paul’s ministry but the way he chose to confront it was. Paul labored to respond to the deficiencies he saw in them allowing for their continual development and growth by planting the seeds of truth.

“Being perfect even as our father in heaven is perfect,” ^{Matt 5:48} does not mean we must be without error but rather that we should be responsible or able to respond according to God’s counsel.

It seems that Paul’s fruit was less than perfect and that imperfection was seen by all that we there to look at it but Paul realized that what God was looking for was progress. God was allowing for growth by his grace and mercy. The world around us was designed to grow.

Realization is not license to judge but rather provides information that guides appropriate reaction. God gave us eyes that see so that we could respond to the world around us not so that we could criticize it. Complaints don’t remove the problems we face. They will never bring the changes that seeds were designed to bring. As a master builder Paul was seasoned with love, patience, dedication, education and mercy.

Prov 14:29

He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

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James 1:18-19

18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath

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