| The Most Excellent Way
"And now I will
show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men
and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or
a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom
all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can
move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all
I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but
have not love, I gain nothing." [1 Corinthians 13:1-3]
This is a passage that I think is often glossed over. I know that
I often like to use the next 5 verses myself. Suddenly, for some
reason, I felt that I should share briefly on these, which don't
need much explanation cos they are really self-explanatory.
"...a resounding gong or a clanging
cymbal..."
"...i am nothing..."
"...i have nothing..."
Doesn't sound like good stuff to aim for and yet how often do
we (in our misguided zeal? or religious intolerance? or well-intentioned
legalism?) settle for those very things...?
In the light of that passage I want you to think about these things:
[1] The ministry you are involved in.
[2] The people you are in relationships with. [work, school, friends,
family, sport]
[3] The people you are NOT in relationship with.
[4] Your involvement in things inside the church.
[5] Your involvement in things outside the church.
...the person who knocks at your door asking for food... the person
in your church who is going through a divorce... your friend at
school who comes out and announces that she is gay... the person
who serves you at the supermarket or cafe till or at the Spur...
the person who sits next to you in maths class... your friend who
gets drunk on the weekends... your friend who listens to music
you don't approve of... your next door neighbour... your ex...
your dad...
Is your life a life that displays 'the most excellent way?'
And if not, what you planning to do about it?
"Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves.
Do what it says." [James 1:22]
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from
God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever
does not love does not know God, because God is love." [1
John 4:7-8]
"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if
you have love one for another." [John 13:35]
God bless you as you live out your relationship with Him and in
so doing, bless others. |
