It’s Not About Me
04/24/2025
“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
— 1 Corinthians 3:7 (NIV)
Have you ever worked really hard on something, maybe poured your heart into a project, a relationship, or a ministry, only to see the results fall flat? Or maybe you’ve seen someone else receive recognition for something you helped start. It’s in these moments we’re tempted to measure our worth by outcomes, accolades, or applause.
But Paul’s words to the Corinthian church flip our perspective entirely: “So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything…” That’s humbling, isn’t it? It doesn’t matter how dynamic the preacher is, how faithful the volunteer, or how visionary the leader. None of it means anything without God, who makes things grow.
Paul had planted the seed of faith in Corinth. Apollos had come after him and watered it with teaching and encouragement. But both of them knew they weren’t the source of growth, God was. This verse invites us to trade our self-importance for divine dependence.
It reminds me of a gardener. She carefully tills the soil, plants the seed, and waters it daily. But she can’t force it to sprout. She can’t reach into the soil and command life. That miracle belongs to God alone. Likewise, in ministry, in parenting, in leadership, and even in friendship, we are stewards, not the source. Our job is obedience. God’s job is growth.
When we understand that, it frees us. We can serve with joy, without needing the spotlight. We can celebrate others’ success, knowing it’s all God’s increase. We can keep showing up, planting and watering, even when results seem slow because we trust the One who brings the harvest.
Here are a few ways to help you learn to plant and water.
Check your heart.
Are you more focused on being recognized than being faithful? Repent if needed.
Celebrate others.
Take time today to encourage someone who’s been faithfully planting or watering.
Pray for growth.
Ask God to bring fruit from the seeds you’ve sown, even if you never see it yourself.
Stay faithful.
Keep planting. Keep watering. Let God worry about the outcome.
Serve today in a way that no one sees but God. Do it joyfully, remembering that even hidden obedience honors Him—and He never wastes a seed.
Father, thank You for the reminder that it’s not about me. Help me to stay faithful in the roles You’ve given me, trusting You with the results. I release any pride, comparison, or discouragement. Use what I offer, even if it feels small, and let it bear fruit for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
— 1 Corinthians 3:7 (NIV)
Have you ever worked really hard on something, maybe poured your heart into a project, a relationship, or a ministry, only to see the results fall flat? Or maybe you’ve seen someone else receive recognition for something you helped start. It’s in these moments we’re tempted to measure our worth by outcomes, accolades, or applause.
But Paul’s words to the Corinthian church flip our perspective entirely: “So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything…” That’s humbling, isn’t it? It doesn’t matter how dynamic the preacher is, how faithful the volunteer, or how visionary the leader. None of it means anything without God, who makes things grow.
Paul had planted the seed of faith in Corinth. Apollos had come after him and watered it with teaching and encouragement. But both of them knew they weren’t the source of growth, God was. This verse invites us to trade our self-importance for divine dependence.
It reminds me of a gardener. She carefully tills the soil, plants the seed, and waters it daily. But she can’t force it to sprout. She can’t reach into the soil and command life. That miracle belongs to God alone. Likewise, in ministry, in parenting, in leadership, and even in friendship, we are stewards, not the source. Our job is obedience. God’s job is growth.
When we understand that, it frees us. We can serve with joy, without needing the spotlight. We can celebrate others’ success, knowing it’s all God’s increase. We can keep showing up, planting and watering, even when results seem slow because we trust the One who brings the harvest.
Here are a few ways to help you learn to plant and water.
Check your heart.
Are you more focused on being recognized than being faithful? Repent if needed.
Celebrate others.
Take time today to encourage someone who’s been faithfully planting or watering.
Pray for growth.
Ask God to bring fruit from the seeds you’ve sown, even if you never see it yourself.
Stay faithful.
Keep planting. Keep watering. Let God worry about the outcome.
Serve today in a way that no one sees but God. Do it joyfully, remembering that even hidden obedience honors Him—and He never wastes a seed.
Father, thank You for the reminder that it’s not about me. Help me to stay faithful in the roles You’ve given me, trusting You with the results. I release any pride, comparison, or discouragement. Use what I offer, even if it feels small, and let it bear fruit for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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