And those churches would abandon Paul.
And the people in the early churches preferred the loud apostle. The strong apostle. The one that could "hold a room." The one that was impressive.
Sound familiar?
Loudest is not best.
Opinionated is not best.
Impressive is not best.
What is best?
Faithfulness to Jesus.
Skillfulness in the field where you are planted.
Raising up followers of Jesus.
Teaching Scripture and theology.
Playing the long game.
Strive instead for the acclaim of Jesus:
"Well done, my good and faithful servant."