1 Corinthians 16:13-14 - Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in Love.
In our bible study the other day we discussed how every man desires significance. What differs is the way we go after that significance. Some seek it through self-fulfillment. They want the best cars, the biggest homes, and the best position at work. In their search for significance they go after money and power.
When that is your goal, even if you obtain it, your significance will not be lasting. As Patrick Morley says, “If what I do is only for my self-gratification and pleasure, then I will never derive a lasting sense of purpose and meaning from it.”
If we try to get our worth and significance from things, just like those things, it is temporary. When those things are gone so is our sense of purpose. Significance is really not about seeking your own wants and needs, it is more about seeking to meet the needs of others, and doing this through God.
This chapter went on to tell the story of Martin Luther. Now here is a man who made a significant difference in the lives of many people., including ourselves. He wasn't satisfied with the way ‘religion’ was practiced in his day and he wanted to serve God. Luther is a man who lived out this verse; he is a man who truly reached significance.
As we continued on in our book we were asked the question, “In order for you to be one of this generations leading men as Martin Luther was, what would you have to change?” I think this verse sums up the reality of how we need to live if we want to make a significant difference for God in the lives of those around us.
We must guard against temptation and sin as we are standing firm in God’s truth. Be uncompromising and be courageous. Don’t be afraid to do what is right, even if no one else is with you. That is all Martin Luther did. He stood up for his faith and for God when no one else would. And then finally, everything you do needs to be based in Love. Let Love be your motivator. Love God and Love people and let your actions reflect that Love.
One interesting thing about Martin Luther is that he never wanted to break off from the Catholic Church. He simply realized some key heresies in the church and wanted to bring reformation. It was only the churches response that forced the formation of the Protestant church. I think that speaks to his motivation being about love. He loved the church and wanted them to simply correct the wrong theology.
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