Without Love
So there you are, in the middle of a heated debate. You feel that passion deep in your soul to defend whatever you are defending because you are, after all, right. To be silent now would mean betraying who you are, something central to your beliefs. Besides, God has given you the gift of persuasion and an articulate tongue, so now is the best time to use it--to use your words to tell the truth. But as you continue, there is a subtle shift from defending truth to taking down a person.
Or maybe you can see clearly that the direction of our nation, our church, or perhaps our family or friends is leading them to destruction. You read your Bible, and it all makes sense. The signs are coming together, and Jesus is coming soon. It's not time to mess around with the world. You've got it figured out, why don't they? Why can't everyone else wake up and let go of the world? You find a small group of others who see things the way you do, and feel safe knowing at least you've got it right.
Perhaps that is you, in the middle of the prayer circle. You're calling down blessings and revivals and holy fires. You leave with a mountain-moving, earth-shaking plan that God has given you, and nothing is going to get in the way of this mighty work of faith. Nothing and no one. And if they try (or just ask a few questions)...they might encounter some non-spiritual warfare. Who are they to question the Lord's work? Lead, follow, or get out of the way.
No, you're the busy one. There is a world in need right outside your door, and it's on your mind from sunrise to far beyond sunset. The homeless, orphaned, well-fare dependent know you well, and so does everyone in nearly every ministry at church. You're a missionary, a teacher, a pastor, a drug addiction counselor, an ER nurse, a servant of mankind. But your soul is tired. Your heart is broken. But there's no time for that. There is not even time to take care of your own health. But one day you start to see people as only what they need, as emotional baggage too heavy to carry, and you find yourself...not caring. But actions speak louder than thoughts, right? Carry on, then.
Those who love others best are those who know well the love and grace of their Heavenly Father. Indeed, it is His love they pass on, not their own.
Or maybe you can see clearly that the direction of our nation, our church, or perhaps our family or friends is leading them to destruction. You read your Bible, and it all makes sense. The signs are coming together, and Jesus is coming soon. It's not time to mess around with the world. You've got it figured out, why don't they? Why can't everyone else wake up and let go of the world? You find a small group of others who see things the way you do, and feel safe knowing at least you've got it right.
Perhaps that is you, in the middle of the prayer circle. You're calling down blessings and revivals and holy fires. You leave with a mountain-moving, earth-shaking plan that God has given you, and nothing is going to get in the way of this mighty work of faith. Nothing and no one. And if they try (or just ask a few questions)...they might encounter some non-spiritual warfare. Who are they to question the Lord's work? Lead, follow, or get out of the way.
No, you're the busy one. There is a world in need right outside your door, and it's on your mind from sunrise to far beyond sunset. The homeless, orphaned, well-fare dependent know you well, and so does everyone in nearly every ministry at church. You're a missionary, a teacher, a pastor, a drug addiction counselor, an ER nurse, a servant of mankind. But your soul is tired. Your heart is broken. But there's no time for that. There is not even time to take care of your own health. But one day you start to see people as only what they need, as emotional baggage too heavy to carry, and you find yourself...not caring. But actions speak louder than thoughts, right? Carry on, then.
"If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn't love others, I would only be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody. If I gave everything I had to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever."
(1 Cor. 13:1-3)
Those who love others best are those who know well the love and grace of their Heavenly Father. Indeed, it is His love they pass on, not their own.
Love. What an action word.
ReplyDeleteThe balance that only comes from looking to Jesus.
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