28
Without Love, Nothing
Tim Savage13If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. 1 Corinthians 13
So many great lessons in today’s reading. There was Moses, who was denied entrance to the Promised Land because of sin along the way in the desert. That was a tough lesson because of his tremendous service to God in leading the people out of slavery. Then we saw a transfer of leadership between Moses and Joshua, which is so critical in any organization, especially our churches. And finally 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter. The word says it all – everything else will fade but love is most important, so I will journal on love.
The first few verses really hit home for me - no matter what I do in life, no matter what the accomplishment or achievement, without love, it is nothing. I can speak eloquently, I can produce effectively, I can teach the younger generation, but without love I am just a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. I must be motivated by the love of Christ and the love of others. If my motivation is love, then the product of my efforts will matter. This is especially true in family and ministry, but it extends to my whole life, maybe more so. It is easy to love those with whom we serve at church (most of the time J) because we share common priorities, but it’s tougher to truly love those at work, or at school, or on the road, or those we bump in to along the way, but those are exactly the ones who need our love the most.
I can think of few things worse than a hypocritical, loud banging gong! I work so hard at achieving and accomplishing. To think that all of that effort is wasted if my priorities are screwed up! I must remind myself daily, even hourly (!) that, before anything else, there must be love.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We love because You first loved us, unconditionally. I must renew my love for You and for others. If I love, you will bless and that will be the difference. I love You, Lord.
In Jesus name,
Amen
