Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, 1 Corinthians 13:4 NABRE
There is a right and wrong context to every 'spiritual' exercise I see. Too many times, I get carried away with the outward, the audible and the visible, not aware that the intention and spirit behind what I see or hear is even more important that the actual activity. That is why speaking in human and angelic tongues, having the gift of prophecy and the ability to comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge, odr with faith that can move mountains, or giving away everything I own, will never be enough, if they are done with the wrong heart. The challenge is that the world will see it and applaud, but if not done with the heart of Love, God's Style, I gain nothing and will amount to nothing. This is the challenge of walking with and working for God.
This entire chapter then goes on to describe what the real deal looks like so that I can was easily hold up what I hold to what God commands. A list of what the real deal looks like, as well as what it is not, is provided. This tells me again that there is no middle ground on this matter; you don't get to choose which one you will focus on and which one you will ignore. I can't claim to be patient and kind, and at the same time, not watch out for pride or jealousy. Motivational speakers tell you to focus on the positives; unfortunately, ignoring something does not make it go away; you have to keep at it as long as you have breath in you. NOTE: the devil wants to present you with attractive alternatives, but he has no free gifts.
If God warns against pride or jealousy, it is because He has seen where they lead and end. Interestingly, love is described in human terms, such as kind and patient, and on the other hand, not proud, pompous or jealous. It would therefore mean that I can view love as a person, not necessarily a thing. In fact, the Bible seems to emphasise that love is defined by what people do, not what they say. It is easy to say the right words; the heart with which they are said matters equally as much.
When next I find myself struggling to rejoice at the good that happens to other people; when I only look to my own interests and none of anyone else's; when I find it hard to see others through the eyes of the One I claim to love, then I need to check myself before I wreak myself and others around me. You see, nothing I do affects me alone; there are a lot of people who will be touched one way or another through my actions or lack of them. I am called to be different; to stand out; to be the eyes, ears, mouth and feet of Jesus my Lord. If I don't represent Him well, I do not deserve to bear His name. If I claim to bear His name, the people of the world must know the difference, so that they will seek to know the One I know and love. After all, the world can easily identify something that is not its own. What is it I have: love, the way the world alone knows it, or love, God's style? His time of favour is here.
No comments:
Post a Comment