Scum of the Earth, the Refuse of the World

1 Corinthians 4: 13b "Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world."

      Lord, it is hard to imagine how these men were treated and what it was like back then because we see them as such great heroes of the Faith.   But they forsook everything for the sake of the Gospel.  Paul really was homeless, as You yourself were.  He was an itinerant preacher who worked his way from town to town staying with "Family" as he went, was beaten, and imprisoned.  He, unlike some Christian leaders today, did not amass vast fortunes with large homes and expensive cars.  The area in which they lived was hostile to them.  Our beloved country is quickly becoming hostile to us too.
      Lord, help me to remember there is one thing in this life that is the most important; two You want me to nurture and accomplish;
My relationship to You and making disciples.  If You care to give me wealth, it is to share with others, not to keep for myself.  If You care to have me honored here, it is to give You all the glory...but nothing is to be expected except persecution and hardship.  If I receive anything else, it is because of Your grace and mercy!