Seven At One Blow

II Corinthians 10:12-11:6

One of the old fairy tales was about a little tailor who was pestered by swarms of flies. One day he used his fly swatter and killed seven with one swat. He was so impressed by this that he proceeded to stitch the words Seven at one blow on a sash he could wear so others would know what he had done. Leaving his little shop, he started on a journey to seek his fortune.

Because of his sash, many criminals were afraid to cross him, and he finally married a princess on the basis of his claims. No one ever dared to really challenge him, and he became quite well known for his bravery. Apparently, no one ever figured out that the seven he had killed were only flies.

Many times those who brag about what they have done for God have no more substantial accomplishment s than the tailor. They compare something they have done with another time and are impressed with the results. They then fool themselves and others into believing it was a great accomplishment. They often take credit for some one else’s work, and become highly respected.

In over forty years of mission work, I have observed that some of the most admired missionaries have never built a single mission work, just taking credit for someone else’s work. Several times, the man who actually did the work lost his support when people realized that he was working in the place the famous missionary was taking credit for. Some were doing the same thing in Paul’s day. Paul wants to remind them that God knows the truth, and will judge accordingly.

“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.

For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand. But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.” (II Corinthians 10:12-18)

The Corinthians knew what God had done among them, having been led to Christ by him. Others could make unsupported claims. Since we do not know what God wanted some one else to do, we are not qualified to judge how well it was done. They are accountable to God, not to us. At the same time Paul insists that he not be give credit for Apollos’ or others’ work. Taking such credit is fraudulent. Paul warns of the danger of misjudging without accurate information, and setting people in esteem they don’t deserve in I Corinthians 4:5-6. “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.”

The glory belongs to Christ, even when the person actually did the work. Christ saved him, empowered him, and produced the results. Placing the emphasis on the man takes away from Christ. To lead others in a spiritual manner, we must focus the glory on Christ, not ourselves, or others. It is not about who we think did the best, but about who pleased God.

Accepting other’s assessment of their own work may expose us to false doctrine and being ripped off. Many who have great reputations are only interested in building their reputation. They have no concern that the people grow in the Lord. Some times those who question what famous ones say are considered as hindering growth. Paul suggests hearing out the questions before following this person.

“Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been thoroughly made manifest among you in all things.
“ (II Corinthians 11:1-6)

It is very easy to accept false teaching from those who are admired by others. Verify their claims. The Bereans were great Christians because they did so. “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11) Fame and eloquence do not indicate spirituality, nor even salvation.