Post by Zac Loh on Oct 23, 2007 9:46:31 GMT -5
Love Beyond Knowledge
And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. (1 Corinthians 8:2-3)
Loving God is exceedingly far better than merely having knowledge about God. Knowledge is to be the means to love. It is true that the end justifies the means …provided the end is love. The reason we want to know about God is so that we can know Him personally, intimately. Knowledge is a currency to love. We can only learn to love by loving.
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Love is the greatest because it is the most unselfish thing. Love is totally God-centered. When you love a person, you are captivated by him. You lose your self-consciousness. Love is the essence of worship. God is love (1 John 4:16).
Loving God Covers Everything
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15-17; underline mine)
`The lust of the flesh’ covers the faculty of our physical body that is sensual. In the realm of our soul, it means the sensation …feelings …emotion. ‘The lust of the eyes’ covers the faculty of our physical body that is visual. In the realm of the soul, it means the imagination. `The pride of life’ in the original Greek text, reads `the vainglory - of life’. This word `vainglory’ implies self-confidence: boasting, pride. Its root meaning is braggart: boaster. It is mostly about what we hear. It covers the faculty that is audible. In the realm of our soul, it means the intention …intellect …thoughts. The truth remains, the bottom line, is that loving God should cover everything.
We should have an attitude like a man of God that I know. He is used to saying: “if you have God, you have everything.” How true! Nevertheless, we must grow from seeking Him for ourselves, to seeking Him for Him. We should love God first, and above ourselves. This is radical. But then, love is radical. How many have you heard doing foolish things and heroic deeds in the name of love? Many, right. So, how much more when it comes to loving God? When we come into this spiritual place, our life will be changed and transformed.
“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:26)
This scripture does not tell us to `hate’ per se. In fact, it is quite the reverse; we are commanded to love with God’s divine love. But when one compares his own love for God with his own love for others (plus himself) - there should be a great difference.
The level of our own love for God should be so much higher, to the point that our own love for others and ourselves is `hate’ in comparison.
Ministry Is Based On A Love Relationship With The Lord: The True Story Of Peter And Jesus
God’s love is `agape’. Our own human love is `phileo’ (friendship, affectionate love), `storge’ (family, filial love) and `eros’ (sensual love). Agape is much greater than our human love(s).
Through a very special outdoor, personal and interactive session; Jesus indirectly revealed to Peter about the agape love. At that time, Peter did not catch the truth of agape love. Some things are better caught than taught. It is said that `a person with an experience is never at the mercy of a person with an argument’.
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (agape) Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileo) You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (agape) Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileo) You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (phileo) Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love (phileo) Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love (phileo) You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. ...” (John 21:15-17; underline and parenthesis mine)
Jesus was doing a healing work in Peter’s life through this process. Remember that Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. Peter must have felt very down and despondent. Jesus was reversing it.
At the third time, Peter was grieved because he thought that the Lord did not believe him. Human love can be grieved. Rejection can easily set-in.
Jesus later used the word `phileo’. Peter did not realize the significant of the word `agape’ that Jesus had used earlier. It didn’t appear that Peter had taken note on the change of word used by Jesus. But Jesus did not make a fuss out of it. Jesus went down to Peter’s level. Jesus was flowing with God’s agape love. The agape love of God does not make one sit on a high horse looking down on others. Knowledge puffs up, but agape love edifies (1 Corinthians 8:1). So Jesus used a term (phileo) that Peter could understand. But the point Jesus made in this conversation was that Peter had not understood, nor had come to, agape love yet. I am sure Peter would remember this conversation, later on, when he had already have agape love and understood agape love.
The message of that passage of scripture is that ministry is to be based on our love relationship with the Lord. We cannot serve others without first having a love relationship with the Lord. What is the point of serving God when we are far away from Him? How can we serve Him without knowing Him? Is serving Him by itself equals pleasing Him?
This is poignant to me: I sometimes love the works of God more than God Himself!
God’s Love Overcomes Hurt And Rejection
How does God’s love overcome hurt and rejection? Look at the love and sacrifice of Jesus. Think about the cross at Calvary. We need to kneel at the foot of the cross. In the quest to protect ourselves, we put up a defense mechanism. We tell ourselves, “it’s okay, I can take it.” We pretend that everything is alright. But we know we have not really overcome. We are getting away from God. His presence is gradually lessened. We experience despair and depression. There is bitterness. We justify ourselves, and self-righteousness set-in. We want it to be proven that the other person is wrong. The key towards overcoming is to be willing to be hurt and rejected, and willing to be healed by Jesus. Then, God will pour His love into us (Romans 5:5).
A man is measured by love. Love means forgiveness. Great men, forgives greatly. Divine love gives us an absorbent power: a thick and soft cushion to absorb sharp, negative impacts from people. Divine love gives us a `suspension power’ to sustain the hard impacts of the road at all sorts of terrain: all sorts of people in every type of situation.
While reading 1 & 2 Corinthians, I began to understand why Paul made that statement: “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2). He was under verbal attacked by the church that he himself had planted. His ministry, authority and personality were questioned by those he personally brought to the Lord. Paul was under great temptation to succumb to his hurt and rejection. He was at the impulse of putting-on an internal defense mechanism. But having the love and sacrifice of Jesus in view; helped him. He managed to overcome. Love was expressed to the Christians at Corinth. Paul loved them even after experiencing intimidation plus their utterly unfair lost of support for him – even though he was the father of their faith. Love conquers all. Love never fails.
Washing One Another’s Feet
So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. (John 13:12-14)
I like how a youth leader expounded this portion of scripture. He said that the feet symbolized our walk. In those days, people walk from place to place, sometimes, for quite a distance. By the time they get to your home, their feet are dirty because they wore sandals those days.
Obviously, it was a necessity to wash the feet. And it is up to the good host to wash the guest’s feet as a sure sign of hospitality being extended.
Our home symbolizes our personal life. Each of us will go all over the place everyday, spiritually speaking. Inadvertently, some of us have been rubbed with the things of this world. Worldly thoughts and emotions were attached to us …anger, jealousy and etc. So, when a brother come and fellowship with us, some these worldly elements which were latched-on by the spirit of this world …will be released upon us.
For example, this brother could have gotten hurt because of an earlier situation …and he now unconsciously released his frustration, anger and bitterness on us.
And there are some brethren who dislike our uncompromising attitude because they have actually been enjoying the world. How do we love them? We love them by correcting them even if it is definite that we will be treated with a rebuttal.
Will we be hurt? Yes, there is a good chance that we will be hurt. Our intentions are sincere. After all, it was for their sake. What do we do then? Love and forgive. Love and forgive. And love and forgive. Because we are cleansing one another by God’s love. Because Jesus loves us, He is cleansing us (Ephesians 5:25-27). And we are being part of that love. I hope you are being challenged to love, just as I am.
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
The Power Of Two-Or-Three
Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:19-20)
There is a spiritual difference when two-or-three persons come together seeking the Lord. When we are praying together, in true love and unity – we will enter into a higher spiritual dimension.
As far as the Lord is concerned; this promise is true:
Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
Contrary to common perception, the power of God’s spiritual manifestation has no bearing on the numbers beyond two or three. If there is a perceived difference, it is due to the effect of human dynamics: of being with, and seeing, many people together.
In actual truth, according to Jesus’ promise: all you need is one or two other persons who share the same belief with you; who agree in principle, or empathize, with what is in your heart; who can spiritually flow along with you in prayer.
As long as the Holy Spirit is leading in that gathering, you will definitely see a marked improvement in spiritual penetration provided there is transparency between one another. Be led by the Holy Spirit. Be transparent. Follow these two pointers and the gathering will come-out well; achieving God’s desired and designed objective.
“By the mouth of two or three witnesses a matter may be established.” This is one of the very few scriptures, which were quoted in the Old Testament; and in The Gospels; and also in the Epistles (Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1).
Jesus sent out His disciples two-by-two without any financial support at all; and they went to many places preaching, exorcizing and healing (Mark 6:7).
Peter and John ministered together. Barnabas and Paul went to missions together.
Paul discovered the difference of having a believing brother who stood with him in faith, as compared to being a spiritual lone ranger. After Barnabas left him for another destination; Paul got together with Silas, other times …with Timothy, or at other times …with Titus …these people were among those who were with him consistently during his ministry, and in his missionary journeys.
Serving-Or-Loving Dilemma: The True Story Of Martha And Mary
Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”(Luke 10:38-42)
Some like to settle for the second best, of knowing Jesus at a distance, of knowing Him only as a Distant Master. However, Mary had the good sense of sitting at Jesus’ feet, and having Him as a Personal Counselor.
The `Martha Syndrome’ is pretty strong. We rather do something that is visible so that we can cherish the outcome. A devotion to the Lord has no immediate visible returns.
The Ephesus church was known for their works, labor, patience and integrity. If you were to ask any regular guy living in their vicinity, `good people’ would probably be the comment about the Ephesus church; but a stark difference to Jesus’ comment. They had fallen from their first love, unless they repented and did the works of Jesus’ love, they would be lost in darkness (Revelation 2:2-5).
Why do we love the work more than the Master? One possible reason is that we love the respect, recognition and appreciation of men. Another reason could be that we fear the evaluation, criticism and judgment of men. When people judge us, many of us tend to judge back (…most likely from the inside of us …internally). In any case, we know that when we judge others, God will judge us in turn. So now, wouldn’t it be better if we be loved by God and be judged by people …rather than be judged by God and loved by people. If we are serving for God’s eternal rewards, we would not be doing what we like to do, nor would be obliged to do it for other people’s expectation. We would be doing what God likes us to do, whatever it is at that time.
Martha had a very strong sense of misplaced responsibility. Can we give our own sense of responsibility to the Master?
Martha did the things people, solely. But Mary gave herself to the Lord, totally.
And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. (2 Corinthians 8:5)
After Faith …Is Not A Full Stop!!!
If I can shout strongly and clearly enough …so that the church-at-large can hear me now …the heading …the subtitle which you read above …will be it!!!
For more than two decades, much emphasis had been given to Faith, and some had been given to Love. But Hope was neglected to the point that it is almost an absent subject in the Christian media and bookstores. The one exception that I personally know, of which had been given its due publicity, is the book by Kathryn Baxter: `A Divine Revelation Of Heaven’.
Doing a light study on the origin of the Word-Faith Movement, I find that one of the causes that gave birth to this message; was that there were many poor Christians in those days. A call to trust God for provision was needed. And rightly so. Even in the area of ministry, one cannot do much without sufficient financial support. But we have reached the climax. Proceeding without any adjustment at all, would mean we are passing the peak and going downhill. Any further emphasis on the `now’ perspective will only, unwittingly, nurture the self-centeredness plus temporal gratification of Christians.
While continuing in the blessings of the Faith message that we have acquired, a balance is needed. Faith deserves its proper due because it is a very important element in our relationship with God. But we need to put Hope back into `Faith, Hope And Love’ and pay the greatest attention to Love. Because God is Love. And Love is the greatest.
And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. (1 Corinthians 8:2-3)
Loving God is exceedingly far better than merely having knowledge about God. Knowledge is to be the means to love. It is true that the end justifies the means …provided the end is love. The reason we want to know about God is so that we can know Him personally, intimately. Knowledge is a currency to love. We can only learn to love by loving.
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Love is the greatest because it is the most unselfish thing. Love is totally God-centered. When you love a person, you are captivated by him. You lose your self-consciousness. Love is the essence of worship. God is love (1 John 4:16).
Loving God Covers Everything
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15-17; underline mine)
`The lust of the flesh’ covers the faculty of our physical body that is sensual. In the realm of our soul, it means the sensation …feelings …emotion. ‘The lust of the eyes’ covers the faculty of our physical body that is visual. In the realm of the soul, it means the imagination. `The pride of life’ in the original Greek text, reads `the vainglory - of life’. This word `vainglory’ implies self-confidence: boasting, pride. Its root meaning is braggart: boaster. It is mostly about what we hear. It covers the faculty that is audible. In the realm of our soul, it means the intention …intellect …thoughts. The truth remains, the bottom line, is that loving God should cover everything.
We should have an attitude like a man of God that I know. He is used to saying: “if you have God, you have everything.” How true! Nevertheless, we must grow from seeking Him for ourselves, to seeking Him for Him. We should love God first, and above ourselves. This is radical. But then, love is radical. How many have you heard doing foolish things and heroic deeds in the name of love? Many, right. So, how much more when it comes to loving God? When we come into this spiritual place, our life will be changed and transformed.
“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:26)
This scripture does not tell us to `hate’ per se. In fact, it is quite the reverse; we are commanded to love with God’s divine love. But when one compares his own love for God with his own love for others (plus himself) - there should be a great difference.
The level of our own love for God should be so much higher, to the point that our own love for others and ourselves is `hate’ in comparison.
Ministry Is Based On A Love Relationship With The Lord: The True Story Of Peter And Jesus
God’s love is `agape’. Our own human love is `phileo’ (friendship, affectionate love), `storge’ (family, filial love) and `eros’ (sensual love). Agape is much greater than our human love(s).
Through a very special outdoor, personal and interactive session; Jesus indirectly revealed to Peter about the agape love. At that time, Peter did not catch the truth of agape love. Some things are better caught than taught. It is said that `a person with an experience is never at the mercy of a person with an argument’.
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (agape) Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileo) You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (agape) Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileo) You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (phileo) Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love (phileo) Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love (phileo) You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. ...” (John 21:15-17; underline and parenthesis mine)
Jesus was doing a healing work in Peter’s life through this process. Remember that Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. Peter must have felt very down and despondent. Jesus was reversing it.
At the third time, Peter was grieved because he thought that the Lord did not believe him. Human love can be grieved. Rejection can easily set-in.
Jesus later used the word `phileo’. Peter did not realize the significant of the word `agape’ that Jesus had used earlier. It didn’t appear that Peter had taken note on the change of word used by Jesus. But Jesus did not make a fuss out of it. Jesus went down to Peter’s level. Jesus was flowing with God’s agape love. The agape love of God does not make one sit on a high horse looking down on others. Knowledge puffs up, but agape love edifies (1 Corinthians 8:1). So Jesus used a term (phileo) that Peter could understand. But the point Jesus made in this conversation was that Peter had not understood, nor had come to, agape love yet. I am sure Peter would remember this conversation, later on, when he had already have agape love and understood agape love.
The message of that passage of scripture is that ministry is to be based on our love relationship with the Lord. We cannot serve others without first having a love relationship with the Lord. What is the point of serving God when we are far away from Him? How can we serve Him without knowing Him? Is serving Him by itself equals pleasing Him?
This is poignant to me: I sometimes love the works of God more than God Himself!
God’s Love Overcomes Hurt And Rejection
How does God’s love overcome hurt and rejection? Look at the love and sacrifice of Jesus. Think about the cross at Calvary. We need to kneel at the foot of the cross. In the quest to protect ourselves, we put up a defense mechanism. We tell ourselves, “it’s okay, I can take it.” We pretend that everything is alright. But we know we have not really overcome. We are getting away from God. His presence is gradually lessened. We experience despair and depression. There is bitterness. We justify ourselves, and self-righteousness set-in. We want it to be proven that the other person is wrong. The key towards overcoming is to be willing to be hurt and rejected, and willing to be healed by Jesus. Then, God will pour His love into us (Romans 5:5).
A man is measured by love. Love means forgiveness. Great men, forgives greatly. Divine love gives us an absorbent power: a thick and soft cushion to absorb sharp, negative impacts from people. Divine love gives us a `suspension power’ to sustain the hard impacts of the road at all sorts of terrain: all sorts of people in every type of situation.
While reading 1 & 2 Corinthians, I began to understand why Paul made that statement: “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2). He was under verbal attacked by the church that he himself had planted. His ministry, authority and personality were questioned by those he personally brought to the Lord. Paul was under great temptation to succumb to his hurt and rejection. He was at the impulse of putting-on an internal defense mechanism. But having the love and sacrifice of Jesus in view; helped him. He managed to overcome. Love was expressed to the Christians at Corinth. Paul loved them even after experiencing intimidation plus their utterly unfair lost of support for him – even though he was the father of their faith. Love conquers all. Love never fails.
Washing One Another’s Feet
So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. (John 13:12-14)
I like how a youth leader expounded this portion of scripture. He said that the feet symbolized our walk. In those days, people walk from place to place, sometimes, for quite a distance. By the time they get to your home, their feet are dirty because they wore sandals those days.
Obviously, it was a necessity to wash the feet. And it is up to the good host to wash the guest’s feet as a sure sign of hospitality being extended.
Our home symbolizes our personal life. Each of us will go all over the place everyday, spiritually speaking. Inadvertently, some of us have been rubbed with the things of this world. Worldly thoughts and emotions were attached to us …anger, jealousy and etc. So, when a brother come and fellowship with us, some these worldly elements which were latched-on by the spirit of this world …will be released upon us.
For example, this brother could have gotten hurt because of an earlier situation …and he now unconsciously released his frustration, anger and bitterness on us.
And there are some brethren who dislike our uncompromising attitude because they have actually been enjoying the world. How do we love them? We love them by correcting them even if it is definite that we will be treated with a rebuttal.
Will we be hurt? Yes, there is a good chance that we will be hurt. Our intentions are sincere. After all, it was for their sake. What do we do then? Love and forgive. Love and forgive. And love and forgive. Because we are cleansing one another by God’s love. Because Jesus loves us, He is cleansing us (Ephesians 5:25-27). And we are being part of that love. I hope you are being challenged to love, just as I am.
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
The Power Of Two-Or-Three
Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:19-20)
There is a spiritual difference when two-or-three persons come together seeking the Lord. When we are praying together, in true love and unity – we will enter into a higher spiritual dimension.
As far as the Lord is concerned; this promise is true:
Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
Contrary to common perception, the power of God’s spiritual manifestation has no bearing on the numbers beyond two or three. If there is a perceived difference, it is due to the effect of human dynamics: of being with, and seeing, many people together.
In actual truth, according to Jesus’ promise: all you need is one or two other persons who share the same belief with you; who agree in principle, or empathize, with what is in your heart; who can spiritually flow along with you in prayer.
As long as the Holy Spirit is leading in that gathering, you will definitely see a marked improvement in spiritual penetration provided there is transparency between one another. Be led by the Holy Spirit. Be transparent. Follow these two pointers and the gathering will come-out well; achieving God’s desired and designed objective.
“By the mouth of two or three witnesses a matter may be established.” This is one of the very few scriptures, which were quoted in the Old Testament; and in The Gospels; and also in the Epistles (Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1).
Jesus sent out His disciples two-by-two without any financial support at all; and they went to many places preaching, exorcizing and healing (Mark 6:7).
Peter and John ministered together. Barnabas and Paul went to missions together.
Paul discovered the difference of having a believing brother who stood with him in faith, as compared to being a spiritual lone ranger. After Barnabas left him for another destination; Paul got together with Silas, other times …with Timothy, or at other times …with Titus …these people were among those who were with him consistently during his ministry, and in his missionary journeys.
Serving-Or-Loving Dilemma: The True Story Of Martha And Mary
Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”(Luke 10:38-42)
Some like to settle for the second best, of knowing Jesus at a distance, of knowing Him only as a Distant Master. However, Mary had the good sense of sitting at Jesus’ feet, and having Him as a Personal Counselor.
The `Martha Syndrome’ is pretty strong. We rather do something that is visible so that we can cherish the outcome. A devotion to the Lord has no immediate visible returns.
The Ephesus church was known for their works, labor, patience and integrity. If you were to ask any regular guy living in their vicinity, `good people’ would probably be the comment about the Ephesus church; but a stark difference to Jesus’ comment. They had fallen from their first love, unless they repented and did the works of Jesus’ love, they would be lost in darkness (Revelation 2:2-5).
Why do we love the work more than the Master? One possible reason is that we love the respect, recognition and appreciation of men. Another reason could be that we fear the evaluation, criticism and judgment of men. When people judge us, many of us tend to judge back (…most likely from the inside of us …internally). In any case, we know that when we judge others, God will judge us in turn. So now, wouldn’t it be better if we be loved by God and be judged by people …rather than be judged by God and loved by people. If we are serving for God’s eternal rewards, we would not be doing what we like to do, nor would be obliged to do it for other people’s expectation. We would be doing what God likes us to do, whatever it is at that time.
Martha had a very strong sense of misplaced responsibility. Can we give our own sense of responsibility to the Master?
Martha did the things people, solely. But Mary gave herself to the Lord, totally.
And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. (2 Corinthians 8:5)
After Faith …Is Not A Full Stop!!!
If I can shout strongly and clearly enough …so that the church-at-large can hear me now …the heading …the subtitle which you read above …will be it!!!
For more than two decades, much emphasis had been given to Faith, and some had been given to Love. But Hope was neglected to the point that it is almost an absent subject in the Christian media and bookstores. The one exception that I personally know, of which had been given its due publicity, is the book by Kathryn Baxter: `A Divine Revelation Of Heaven’.
Doing a light study on the origin of the Word-Faith Movement, I find that one of the causes that gave birth to this message; was that there were many poor Christians in those days. A call to trust God for provision was needed. And rightly so. Even in the area of ministry, one cannot do much without sufficient financial support. But we have reached the climax. Proceeding without any adjustment at all, would mean we are passing the peak and going downhill. Any further emphasis on the `now’ perspective will only, unwittingly, nurture the self-centeredness plus temporal gratification of Christians.
While continuing in the blessings of the Faith message that we have acquired, a balance is needed. Faith deserves its proper due because it is a very important element in our relationship with God. But we need to put Hope back into `Faith, Hope And Love’ and pay the greatest attention to Love. Because God is Love. And Love is the greatest.