Distinction and Hierarchy Continued

Scripture: 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. 1 Corinthian 13:1-3

Observation: 1 Corinthians 12-14 get into a hierarchical discussion of gifts. Chapter 14 concentrates on tongues and its role in the church (that it actually isn't beneficial to "the church" but rather only for communication with God). Yesterday we saw that Chapter 12 looked at the difference between gifts of the Spirit, service of Jesus, and work of God. Wedged in between is the famous chapter about love, which starts with and insight I did not know was stated so clearly before ... love - and the fact that we have love in us as part of our service and work - is more important than the spiritual gifts we use in that work.

Application: Again, so often in the church we wonder what people's gifts are, and how they should then apply to ministry. Yesterday I discovered that's probably backwards. Today's lesson is that ... love is so much more important, that probably that's the only thing we need to understand about each other.

Worded another way: What we were told to do in Chapter 12 - the service commands of Jesus, and the work or God living out our purpose on earth - is only authentic when we show love ... the fact our gifts of the spirit may help doesn't make the service and work "good enough."

Which gifts are called out as being less than love? Evangelism, tongues, prophesy, discernment, knowledge, faith, mercy, service. That's pretty much the "A" list. And instead, the #1 fruit of the spirit is more important than all these gifts of the spirit.

How am I loving people? Do I care enough for this lost world? Do I love other disciples? Do I see strangers with the love of Christ? Do I bring love to bear when I serve others?

Am I scared that I just answered 'no' five times ... ?

Prayer: I love you, Jesus, but I don't love others enough. Please increase love in my heart for others. Give me a hint of your eyes for others so that I can serve not just "effectively" but "meaningfully" as well. May I be publicly marked as one of your servants and disciples by loving others as you have loved me.