“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 4:3-4
Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself” (1 Corinthians 4:3, NKJV). The church had begun comparing Paul’s ministry to Apollos’, as if one servant of God were superior to another. But Paul wasn’t shaken. Why? Because his calling didn’t come from people—it came from God. He wasn’t living for applause, approval, or comparison. He was living under the direction of the One who sent him. When you know who called you, the opinions of others lose their power.
Comparison is still a trap for believers today. We compare churches, pastors, ministries, gifts, and even spiritual maturity. We look at outward appearance and assume we can measure success. But Paul reminds us that we cannot see what God sees. We don’t know the motives, burdens, or assignments God has placed on someone else’s heart. And if we’re honest, we often misjudge even our own motives. That’s why Paul says not to “judge before the time” (1 Corinthians 4:5, NKJV). God alone sees clearly. God alone knows the heart. God alone will judge faithfully when Christ returns.
And then Paul says something freeing: he doesn’t even judge himself. He refuses to walk around defeated, discouraged, or self‑condemned. He simply does his best and entrusts the results to God. That’s humility. That’s freedom. That’s faith. Instead of tearing others down—or tearing ourselves down—Jesus calls us to build up, to love, and to serve with the same humility He showed when He washed the disciples’ feet.
Today, refuse the trap of comparison. Stop judging others, and stop condemning yourself. Do your best, commit the rest to God, and walk in the freedom of knowing He alone is your Judge. Build others up. Serve with humility. And let your love—not your opinions—be what shows the world you belong to Jesus.
“If any man thinks ill of you, do not be angry with him; for you are worse than he thinks you to be.” — C.H. Spurgeon
surrendered devotions 