This is the secret of victory in a rebellious world: to know how God sees us, how grace humbles us, and why the world's verdict does not rule us.
When we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment, we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.
Three Perspectives
This sounds like a terrible opinion of oneself until you consider the context. Paul in 1 Corinthians 4 is describing what is technically referred to as cruciform identity. Few Christians understand this, yet grasping it leads to a life of freedom and victory.
There are three perspectives of this identity. God's point of view: we are loved, cherished, and valued. Our own self-assessment: we are in need of God's saving grace and not self-sufficient, so there is no room for pride.
Before The World
Before the world, since you follow Christ, you may be misunderstood, ridiculed, rejected, or overlooked. But this does not need to bother you at all. In fact, you can look with holy contempt at the titles, accolades, and honors offered by the world. Paul elsewhere says he considers them rubbish.
This is the secret of our victory as we navigate in a world that largely rebels against God. The cruciform identity.
