Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
Gill reminds us of the differences between “he that planteth” and “he that watereth”:
“…they were different as men; they were not the same individual persons, nor in the same office. Paul was an apostle; Apollos, only a preacher of the Gospel. Nor had they the same measure of gifts, nor did they labour alike, or were of the same usefulness…”
Barnes gives us a descriptive explanation of their unity:
“They are one in the following respects:
(1) They are united in reference to the same work. Though engaged in different things—planting and watering are distinct types of work—they share the same end goal. Their efforts don’t clash, but complement one another. It is not as if one planted and the other was pulling up.
(2) Their work is one, because one is as necessary as the other. If the grain were not planted, watering would be useless; if not watered, planting would be in vain. The work of each is equally essential, and neither should undervalue the labor of the other.
(3) They are one in regard to God. Both are performing one part of the work, and God is performing another. There aren’t three separate efforts, but two. They do their part; God alone does His. Their work would be useless without Him. He, by His design, chooses to work through them.”
And so it is. As Christians, especially as members of the same local church, we are distinct individuals but decidedly unified. This paradox can be frustrating. To the world, we may appear to be “clones,” not thinking for ourselves. We come from different backgrounds and have unique interests—but we think alike. Surely we must be influenced by someone! We are; His name is Jesus.
Still, we can become critical of the differences God Himself has created in us.
- Why not the same gifts?
- Why not the same callings?
- Why not the same results?
It’s because God is. Once we accept that every believer belongs to God, we can content ourselves to let each one stand before Him.
This is the teaching of the Bible.
This would make for a better Christian experience.
Anything other than this is carnal.
#OneInChrist #GodGivesTheIncrease #DifferentGiftsSameGoal #UnitedInTheWork #LaborForHisGlory
One Work, Many Workers: The Carnal Danger of Comparing Callings
💬 Are you comparing your calling to others and feeling discouraged?
God designed you for a unique purpose within His church. Your role matters. Paul planted. Apollos watered. But it was God who gave the increase (1 Corinthians 3:8 KJV). Stop measuring yourself against others and start building the body of Christ with others.
👉 Take action today: Reach out to someone in your church—encourage them, pray with them, serve alongside them. Don’t wait for unity to happen—work toward it.
🔍 QUESTION: What’s one specific way you can support someone else’s ministry this week?
👇 Drop your answer in the comments!
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1 Corinthians 3:8 (KJV) One Work, Many Workers
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