09-26-21

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
September 26, 2021
In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he writes: “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.” I read those words, the giving away of everything including one’s life, and I am awestruck. Yet Paul does not appear impressed, pointing back to love as the component that’s missing. Really? Is the motivation behind the action really that important? I would think those who benefited from this individual’s sacrifice wouldn’t find much reason to complain, yet Paul remains undeterred in his focus on love. Years ago, I heard a preacher describe it this way: You can build a large and very lavish house, using the finest material available, but if you do not have nails, it probably won’t hold together. We are building a whole new world based on the life of Jesus, and you can do some pretty impressive things, but if love is not present, the world you are trying to build won’t hold together. Love needs to be the motivation, but it is so much more. It is the power and inspiration, the reason and rationale, the blueprint and the toolbox for this project. Let’s make sure love is present from beginning to end.

Love is always present in you, Lord God, and so I take your lead and seek to bring love into everything I do. Amen.

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