The Lord Judges Now

"Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 NKJV

Here is the full job description of pastors, ministers, shepherds, elders, or whatever position who are in the ministry of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The main thing, right the main thing, is to be stewards of the mysteries of God. Expound and explain the mysteries of God faithfully! Explain what the mysteries of God mean to people in congregation, bible study, meetings, online media, right in our midst. One requirement of doing this is faithfulness. That's all. Put off all things behind, especially what the people say back to you. Paul says that it's a small thing (little thing, NIV) that he should be judged by the church in Corinth or by a human court [culture, philosophy of the world]. Even he didn't judge himself because there is the One who judges him and all others. He is the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Therefore, he exhorts us not to judge before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Jesus Christ sees even the hidden things of our hearts. He doesn't need to wait until we ask something, because he knows already what is inside of us. That's what it means the Lord judges now. What we shall do is the main thing which is to reveal the mind of God, expounding the mysteries of God faithfully in our own appointed places. God then will praise each one according to His justice and righteousness. Praise never comes from humans.