1 Corinthians 16:13-14

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.

1 Corinthians 14:1

1 Corinthians 14:1 - Follow the way of Love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

As we discussed in 1 Corinthians 13, without Love all we do is for nothing. Our life with Christ begins with Love, “For God so Loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” (John 3:16) And again in 1 John we read, “We Love because He first Loved us.” God’s Love makes everything worthwhile, but Paul tells us not to stop there.
Paul tells us that we must, “Follow the way of Love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts.” On their own spiritual gifts have no value; they are nothing. If they do not have the right motive behind them they are both useless to you and those around you. When spiritual gifts are based in Love, however, they have great value. Paul says to eagerly desire them, especially prophecy.
Why does Paul single out prophecy? What significance does it have over the other gifts? I think we often misunderstand the word prophecy. We are taught of prophecy as being a foretelling of events, but that is not entirely true. Prophecy is a life-giving word to those who hear it. It can be telling of future events, but is not limited to it. And when it does foretell of what is to come it is still meant to bring life to the hearer.
Prophecy, when done out of Love, is a powerful tool that God has given us. We ought to desire this. Sometimes it comes as just an encouraging word to someone. It doesn't have to be much, maybe just a scripture or a couple positive words, but it can change the life of the one to whom it is given. Really, the reason prophecy is so important is that it speaks to the heart of a man, who he really is, and when done in Love it brings life. It ministers to his spiritual and emotional needs.
So, to echo Paul, follow the way of Love and eagerly desire the gifts of God. When Love is our foundation all of these gifts will be used to help others and not for selfish gain. Love is the key; Love makes it all matter.