1 Cor 4 teaches that church leaders (pastors, elders, etc.) are "mere servants of Christ" and should not be judged with relativity, but should simply be held accountable to their faithfulness. Only the Lord can know what is motivating a man's heart, and He alone can therefore give whatever reward is due. And since all that a man has is from God, there is no meaning in boasting in man. Leaders who have the mind of Christ will not dogmatize " beyond what is written" , in order to be revered at the expense of other leaders. This teaching is in light of the circumstances which Paul finds himself in the Corinthian church, where divisions have occurred due to spiritual pride and boasting in particular leaders. Paul simply asks them to recognize his special relationship as the one who founded their church and brought to them the Good News. Paul asks them not to admire the "fancy talk" of particular leaders, but to follow his example of "living by God's power" "with quiet love and gentleness".