I have had one of those random weeks where God has somehow tied together several random things to speak to me... and I have felt very challenged as I examined my heart and motivations, but also released from perfectionism, as I realised that it isn't what or how I do it that matters, but the heart behind it that matters!
And I wanted to share it because sometimes getting back to the basic foundations of things can be such a release, so if it can be of encouragement for someone other than just myself then it is worth sharing!
And I wanted to share it because sometimes getting back to the basic foundations of things can be such a release, so if it can be of encouragement for someone other than just myself then it is worth sharing!
1 Cor 13 "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have 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 do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."
Easy to read this and feel somewhat immune - it is easy to assume I'm a loving person because I love those I surround myself with.
But, when you put 1 Corinthians 13 WITH 1 Thes 1:3, a slightly clearer image emerges...
1 Thes 1:3 "We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."
We serve God out of faith & love for Him & others, not out of ambition, duty, or to fulfill our own emotional needs... Faith in God inspires us to step out of our comfort zone because we believe in God's promises, we believe in the urgency of the gospel message, and so we put our head down & do whatever he asks. Love inspires us to keep going, to work hard, again to do whatever it takes, because we love him & respond to what his heart cares for, & because our love & compassion for his sheep, including his lost sheep, stirs our heart. We endure because we are inspired by the hope Jesus has given us - the hope of his return & all that will bring helps us push through trials and challenges, rejection and disappointment.
Easy to think I am acting in love, but IS everything really truly motivated by love, faith and hope?
When witnessing to others, does it come purely out of hope and love for them, that they will find themselves in the loving arms of their father? Or does it come out of a need to be right, or a desire to judge and feel superior, or a desire to debate theology?
When seeking that preaching/teaching opportunity, does what is said come out of love, out of a deep desire to see them connected to their father and living a transformed life? Or does it in fact come out of a desire to be seen as wise and insightful, to have an opportunity to tell people what I think they need to do better (and the sense of superiority that comes with that)?
When giving a prophetic word or praying for someone's healing, is it inspired by love and hope for their future? Or by the desire to be seen as super spiritual?
When serving is it out of love that I respond to a need? Or to be seen as someone who sacrifices lots to help out? Or for the thanks and praise for a job well done?
I'm thinking that not only just asking these questions and examining what motivates in any area of serving or responding to God is important... But also looking at my life in general??
So - If I truly love, I don't just love when it seems a "spiritual" moment to do so... When I truly love I live an open and generous life - if I am only outward focused when preaching, teaching, prophesying, praying, serving, witnessing etc, then I've missed out big time, because a lifestyle of loving others opens doors that no amount of "giftings" or human efforts can: people respond more openly when they know you love them and care about their wellbeing. It's why we learn to be open to all our Father has for us - because we realise he loves us and wants what is good for us... If we can reflect that then they will respond to what God wants to do THROUGH us! If we do not love, then we will be slogging our way in an uphill battle because we limit what God can do through us because people will shut their hearts around us.
