LOVE’S MOTIVATION (2)

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 Corinthians 13: 2-3 (NIV).

Great power of prophecy, speech, knowledge and sacrifice will move men, but they do not save men. The motivation for love is never self-exhibition, self-promotion, or show-off. Some people spend great time, energy and resources pursuing, possessing, and displaying knowledge, for their self-glory rather than for a holy motive of making an impact for God and His Kingdom. They spend less time examining their hearts’ motives to ensure that these are altruistic and authentic.

As charitable as sharing one’s possessions or making great sacrifices of self may seem, without love there is no profit. Great sacrifice is not equal to love because it might stem from selfish reasons of ego, pride and recognition. It is possible to give to the poor for varied reasons: pride, guilt, and self‐righteousness (Acts 5:1‐10). If our name wasn’t to be announced, would we still give as much as we do? If there were no awards or trophies to be received or special recognition to be given, how far would we go in sharing of our time, talents and treasures?

Why do we do what we do – out of a desire for the attention, the applause, the recognition, or the reputation? Many are quite skilful in deceiving themselves and others as to their true intention. Communication, insight and sacrificial devotion are three powerful shapers of life, but they need the heart of love to rightfully project them out into the world to the profit of others.

Recap: If I exercise tongues, without love, I am just making noise. If I exercise prophecy, knowledge, and faith, minus love, I am nothing. If I give to the poor without love, I’ve given in vain. If I give my life without love, I have wasted my life! Without love, I AM NOTHING. Without love, I GAIN NOTHING!

Ponder: What are my motivations for doing the work of ministry? What are my reasons for serving God? Do I serve others from a heart of love or so that they may appreciate and applaud me?