SCRIPTURE:
But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.
1 Corinthians 8:1
OBSERVATION:
We live by the value that a simple presentation of the Gospel done in creative ways will reach hearts and transform lives. Yet there is so much complexity in that pursuit of simplicity. A lot of knowledge is required. There’s the years of study and experience to execute the occasional out of the box ideas. There’s the planning on the scale of any touring concert. There’s the hours of training and practice required to present with a spirit of excellence. While all these pursuits are not done in vain, all this knowledge, training and planning are just one part of the mosaic.
As we move into the Super Bowl of the saints, I pause to ponder on these words from the Apostle; does all this pursuit of a simple yet creative presentation really matter? Yes, it does! But what I’m reminded here it only makes an eternal impact if it’s connected to love, rooted in love, powered my love, and inspired by love. What’s more simple than simply showing love.
APPLICATION:
What the world needs now is love. A Jesus love that builds up the broken and speaks to the heart of people, not just their minds. This love doesn’t require cool music, massive stages, slick graphics, etc. etc., but it does require me pursuing a couple important things as I pursue those things…
- Pursue obedience. To be obedient to the Father’s command to love Him and love His people.
- Pursue compassion. To the lost and broken, the widow and the fatherless.
- Pursue grace. To give it as we’ve received it.
We don’t need more creativity, more eloquence, more technology, more programs, more meetings, more manuals, more inspirational messages, more knowledge. But God has allowed us a platform and the Holy Spirit has inspired a presentation so it’d be foolish of us not to pursue both for His glory from His love. I do believe and have seen that both heart and skill can work in a beautiful harmony to reach hearts and transform lives. But, if the balance gets tipped one way it always needs to be towards love.
We need more love. That is what will reach hearts and transforms lives.
PRAYER:
Jesus, show me how to love like you have loved me. Thank you for the honor of being an ambassador of Your love and I commit to have you as the starting and ending point of every pursuit. Amen.
