06-29-21

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
June 29, 2021
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Thought for the Day: Paul was watching other followers of Jesus, specifically those in the Corinthian Church, get a little arrogant about their spiritual gifts. Have you ever been impressed by someone’s talent or expertise, but the only thing more impressive was their capacity to toot their own horn. Now there is something very exciting when people first discover their spiritual gift or gifts. Suddenly, who they are seems to align with God’s vision. There is new found purpose to one’s life. In those moments, the excitement can appear to be haughtiness. That’s ok for a few days, but as Paul celebrated these gifts, he also wanted folks to keep their eyes upon the prize – love. In just a few verses, Paul will remind his readers how “Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude.” If love is to resemble the self-giving love of Jesus Christ, then humility must always be very present. If anything, it reminds us of how the gift ultimately belongs to God. I am only the instrument God has chosen. And since everyone else has a gift that is equally important to the fulfilling of God’s dream in this world, then it sounds rather silly to parade our gifts around. Think of all the energy that is lost in the parade; energy that could be utilized by the gift and for the sake of God’s dream.

Prayer: Thank you for the gift you have embedded within me, Holy God. May it find energy through your Spirit, and then be put to use in the place where it will best serve you. Amen.

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