I Corinthians 4

“Therefore do not go on passing judgment …, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts, and then each man’s praise will come to him from God” (v5).  The Corinthian believers were not only insisting that “their” leader was best (whether Apollos or Paul), but they were also criticizing the work of other servants.  Paul reminded them that we will all stand before God, who knows the secrets of our hearts. 

We judge success by outward appearance: charisma, reputation, wealth, or beauty.  God sees inner motivations like unselfishness, generosity, and love.