The Christian life is not a gentle drift with the current of the world—it is a Spirit-empowered journey that often moves against it. Just as salmon swim upstream to fulfill their purpose, believers are called to resist worldly influences and live in obedience to Christ. Yet many grow weary, drifting in immaturity, distracted by pride, and divided in spirit, forgetting that true growth comes from God, not from personalities or human leaders.

Paul describes such believers as “infants in Christ,” not lacking knowledge but lacking maturity. Despite years of faith, they struggled to grasp deeper truths, showing jealousy, strife, and self-centeredness. The apostle reminds us that ministry is not a competition or a matter of following individuals—it is God who gives the increase. Servants are merely vessels; He is the source of life, growth, and unity.

Through this teaching, we are encouraged to fix our eyes on Christ rather than on human leaders. As His field, His building, His people, we labor together in obedience, strengthened by His grace. Swimming upstream may be exhausting, yet it is the path that leads to eternal reward. The easy current of the world brings emptiness, but the struggle of faithful obedience produces lasting joy. How can you embrace the upstream path today, trusting God to bring growth and unity in your life and community?