NOTES for Co1 4:7
These priceless words of the apostle compel to remember oneself, they serve as antidote against ecstasy and condemnation of other people. If only we could remember that always.
My existence is in itself a gift, and how much beautiful besides the fact of my being I have! I have a heart, mind, feelings, will, body, the love of the parents and other people - for nothing! Just because I am who I am! I have friends’ loyalty and the love of animals, I have knowledge, house, things and many other ... I have the sun and the stars, the clouds and the trees, I have the sky and the earth, I have God! All that I have, - was given to me and everything was created by God for me.
In comparison with this, glorifying oneself in front of others, and especially be proud, arrogance and to condemn - is simply stupid. If it is really necessary to glorify - then only God, Who gave everything to me.
The comprehension of the fact that, all that I possess, - was given to me, helps not only not to be excited, but frees (because when I appropriate something - no matter spiritual qualities or material object, I am not free any more: what is appropriated " ties up in the hands", and by the very same I " lose my hands ", according to the metropolitan Antony of Sourozh), gives a genuine peace - and humbling is the source of gratitude to the one, by whom I received everything - God and people.