Scripture Reading — I Corinthians 13:1-3

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.” (I Corinthians 13: 1-3)

Talents, the gifts of the Spirit, mountain-moving faith, philanthropic giving, and even martyrdom are all external things. The motive behind the operating of anyone of them can be a selfish one.

No one was a greater orator than Hitler. He swayed the masses. Even the clergy was convinced that he was “a man sent from God.”

Gifts of the Spirit are given to man in the hour of his greatness, but when his own spirit becomes greedy and proud, he can still operate them to the very destruction of his soul. Because the “gifts and the callings of God are without repentance.” (Romans 11:29)

The same is true of mountain-moving faith. What good is it to operate faith if faith will destroy your own soul? I said of Israel, I gave them the desire of their hearts but I sent leanness to their soul. (Psalm 106:15)

As for the giving of wealth, you can give to devils and demons. Many spend fortunes building temples to them. Others of My people give so that it be seen and they receive the praises of men or they have a project of their own imagination which they feel compelled to support financially.

And then there is the one who dies for his cause. It may not even be My cause. Forced hunger strikes, suicide squads, terrorist raids, all these too give their lives for a “cause” but in doing so, they have no motive of love.

And then, there is the one whom no one sees or notices, but who loves with that powerful, silent love. Whose every whisper is weighed with love, whose every act is born of the Spirit, who believes in Me for the good of others, who gives of his very living and who gladly lays down his life out of his love for others and for Me. This latter one is a saint and shall indeed be honoured in the court of Heaven.

Love, love, love and it will grace every act you perform.

Daily Preparations for Perfection by Gwen Shaw
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