Love Does Not Act Unbecomingly (1 Cor. 13:4-7)

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)

Love does not act unbecomingly.

Unbecomingly. Not a word we use in our daily vocabulary, I’d wager. There’s a nice old-fashioned ring to it, so I had to check out old Webster. Unbecoming means to behave in a way “not according with the standards appropriate to one's position or condition of life.”

Both the New Living Translation and the Contemporary English Bible use the word “rude.”

We as Christians should never be rude. And that can mean a couple of things. Rudeness connotes treating others in an “offensive manner.” It also can mean being “vulgar” in speech and action.

Think about how you interact with other people. Do you enjoy telling off-color jokes or using the latest profanity? Do you delight in pointing out the failings in others?

Or do you walk away when others gossip or put people down? Do you avoid using words that are offensive?

I picture Jesus sitting with a group of society’s disreputable. I picture His loving them and showing them kindness. But I do not picture Him laughing at their infirmities or failures. I do not picture Him peppering His speech with swear words.

And as we’ve talked about since we started looking at the attributes of love, we need to strive to love as He did.

Today, watch what you say and do.  And love as Christ loves.

Love Is Not Arrogant (1 Cor. 3:4-7)

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)

Love is not arrogant.

Other versions say, “love is not proud.”  Love means not thinking too highly of oneself. Paul defines this so well in Philippians 2:3-4: "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."

Lowliness of mind doesn’t mean we’re to be doormats; rather, it means we’re to love as Christ loved, with a servant’s heart: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross" (Phil. 2:5-8). Loving without arrogance requires an attitude of humility.

Are you able to truly rejoice in the blessings others experience? Are you willing to serve in the background if that’s what God calls you to do? Will you serve as Christ did, with a humble servant’s heart?

Then you’ll love without being arrogant.

Love Does Not Brag (1 Cor. 13:4-7)

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)

Love does not brag.

True love is never about me. True love is my looking out for others, caring for others, supporting others. 

If I truly love someone, I shouldn’t be thinking about myself and what I can do. And if my thoughts aren’t on me, then I won‘t be bragging on my accomplishments. In fact, I really won’t care about what I do that’s “newsworthy.” I’ll be content to stay in the background. And when I do have the opportunity to be in the limelight, I won’t go around telling everyone.

This can be tough. Sometimes, we get excited about a God-given chance to shine. I have the privilege to perform on stage periodically. Sometimes I get to play a more principal role; sometimes I’m in the ensemble. And when I have a larger role, I have to be very careful. I can walk a very, very fine line between bragging about my part in a play and just wanting people to come out to see a talented cast of storytellers. No matter what I’m doing, the question is, will I “publicize” each and every play in the same way? Will I brag on the principal actors and be just as excited to have people come see a show when I don't have a more substantial role?

I pray this is so! Because, when I love others, I should want to boast about them. 

What about you? Are you boasting in your own accomplishments? Are you telling everyone how wonderful you are? Or are you content to stand back and let others shine? And tell everyone how wonderful they are?

Love Is Not Jealous

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)

Love is not jealous.

I have to be honest here … I sometimes struggle with this one.  I see someone doing something I think I should be doing, and I’m envious. I read Facebook status updates about children or travels or amazing opportunities, and that nasty green-eyed monster raises its ugly head.

I don’t want to feel this way. I want to truly rejoice in the talents and achievements of others. I want to be genuinely happy when others have things I never will.

I really do.

Why do we feel jealous or envious? I think it has to do with contentment—or lack thereof. When I’m discontent with my own life, I’m much more likely to be envious of what others have. Conversely, when I’m content and satisfied with what I have and what I can do, I don’t even think about what others do.

It also has to do with trusting God. If I believe He’s blessed each of us according to His plan, I don’t have to be jealous because I know what I have, what I can do, what I’ve achieved is what He desires for me.

And as I write these words, I recognize yet again how very blessed I am. I have a wonderful husband, a great family, supportive friends, several vocations I enjoy. I live in a lovely home. I’m adored by my four-legged “kids.” I have terrific “children of my heart,” and I get to indulge my passion for theater.

I have no right—none whatsoever—to be jealous or envious. None. Because when I am, I’m telling God He hasn’t given me enough—when He’s given me abundantly more than I deserve.

Love Is Kind (1 Cor. 13:4-7)

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)

Love is kind.

Webster’s Dictionary defines “kind” as “affectionate and loving; of a sympathetic or helpful nature; of a forbearing nature; gentle.” Further, “gentle” is defined as “free from harshness, sternness, or violence.”

When we love, we’re to be kind. We’re to sympathize when our loved one is hurting. We’re to have a servant’s heart, desiring to help him when he’s in need. We’re to be patient (see yesterday’s devotional) when he’s not behaving as we would like. 

And we’re to be gentle. Being harsh with the ones we love isn’t acceptable. And especially, there can be no hint of violence, physical or otherwise. Blowing up in anger at the ones we say we love is not love. Treating them harshly or rudely, even “jokingly” is not love. Putting them down—whether alone or with others—is not love.

Sometimes, we treat the ones we say we love worse than we do acquaintances or outright strangers. But that’s not really love. 

Today, as you interact with your family and friends, ask the Lord to give you a spirit of kindness. Be loving and affectionate. Serve them without being asked. And if anger is an issue, pray—fervently pray—that the Lord will calm your spirit so you can be kindly loving.  

 
Today and every day.

Love Is Patient (1 Cor. 13:4-7)

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)

Normally, I cover several verses in one devotional. But today’s verses need a more in-depth review, so for the next 14 days, we’re going to take a closer look at Paul’s descriptions of love. I know these words are read at engagement parties, weddings, and anniversary celebrations, but I don’t know about you, as I read these words, I’m somewhat—make that I’m a lot—overwhelmed. How in the world can anyone be all that Paul described?

The only person I know who manifested every one of them was Jesus—is Jesus. So let’s look at how Jesus was love. And let’s think about how we can love just a little more like He does.

Love is patient.

Oh dear. Do we have to start here? Patience isn’t necessarily the fruit of the Spirit I manifest most often. But Jesus is indeed patient. And we can be as well when we remember that this life is temporary. What happens here is temporary. What we have is temporary. Eternity with Jesus should be our focus.

Think about it. Why are we impatient? Because we want something right now. We want that job. That relationship. That car. That house.  Now.  And when we don’t get it in our timing, according to our plan, we get a bit upset—to put it lightly.

And we can’t love—certainly not as Christ did—when we’re feeling impatient.

I think patience has a lot to do with trust. If I trust God, I can patiently wait on His timing, knowing He’ll work everything according to His plan (see Rom. 8:28). If I trust you, patience comes relatively easy because I know you have my best interests at heart. I trust my husband, so I can be patient even if things aren’t moving as quickly as I like.

Be patiently loving today, just as Christ is. Those you love may be pleasantly surprised!

A More Excellent Way (1 Cor. 12:31b-13:3)

And I show you a still more excellent way. If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
(1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:3, NASB)

We’ve been talking a lot about spiritual giftedness over the last several days. How we should use our gifts. How we’re all a part of the body of Christ’s. How each of us should work together in order to serve God. How we are to reach others with the gospel.

But our gifts aren’t worth anything if they’re not founded on love. God is love, and everything He does is founded on His great love for us. We, in turn, should use the gifts with which He’s blessed us to serve Him and others in love. The apostle John, the one whom Christ loved, writes, “My dear friends, we must love each other. Love comes from God, and when we love each other, it shows that we have been given new life. We are now God's children, and we know him” (1 John 4:7, CEV).

Serving God and using His gifts in love is a “more excellent way.” And it’s really a matter of heart and motivation. We can preach with fervency, teach with great knowledge, open our homes for fellowship, or offer mercy to the “least of these.” However, if we don’t do these with love—genuine love—for God and others, all we do “profits [us] nothing.” In other words, it won’t bring kingdom-building results.

We must, as Jesus said, “… ‘LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.’ The second is this, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30-31, NASB).

Gifts to Honor God (1 Cor. 12:27-31a)

Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? But earnestly desire the greater gifts.
(1 Corinthians 12:27-31a, NASB)

Paul writes extensively about giftedness in this chapter, and today’s verses sum up his argument:

Each is a member of the body, not the whole body; each stands related to the body as a part of it, and all have a common relation to one another, dependence upon one another, and should have a mutual care and concern … [If not, it would] make the church a monster: all one as if the body were all ear or all eye. Some are fit for one office and employment, and some for another; and the Spirit distributes to everyone as he will. We must be content with our own rank and share, if they be lower and less than those of others. We must not be conceited of ourselves, and despise others, if we are in the higher rank and have greater gifts. Every member of the body is to preserve its own rank, and do its own office; and all are to minister to one another, and promote the good of the body in general, without envying, or despising, or neglecting, or ill-using, any one particular member. How blessed a constitution were the Christian church, if all the members did their duty! (Matthew Henry Complete Commentary of the Whole Body)

And even though all gifts are important and we shouldn’t look down on “lesser gifts” (see yesterday’s devotional), Paul “closes this chapter with an advice (as the generality read it) and a hint: An advice to covet the best gifts, charismata ta kreittona--dona potiora, præstantiora, either the most valuable in themselves or the most serviceable to others; and these are, in truth, most valuable in themselves, though men may be apt to esteem those most that will raise their fame and esteem highest. Those are truly best by which God will be most honoured and his church edified. Such gifts should be most earnestly coveted” (Matthew Henry).

A Healthy Body (1 Cor. 12:18-26)

But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
(1 Corinthians 12:18-26, NASB)

A healthy body is one whose parts work together just as God intended. Eyes, ears, hands, feet. All working together so the entire body can function as it should. When one “member” doesn’t work correctly, the rest of the “members” often have to compensate. For example, when one is blind, his or her other senses often become more acute.

And so it is with the body of Christ.

Each member works together in order for the entire body to be healthy. And if one member of the body isn't doing what he or she is called to do, often others have to do more. (Perhaps you've heard of the 80/20 rule?) Everyone is called to serve how he or she is gifted. Yet, so many don't.

Paul addresses one of the reasons in today's verses. Some members don't contribute because they think they're somehow "less" than someone else. It's the same with the human body. We don’t think much about our big toes, for example. We don’t think they’re nearly as important as our ears, for instance. And yet, if you’ve ever had a broken toe, you know how it inhibits your ability to walk well.

We sometimes think the same of our positions in the body of Christ. I’m not a preacher, you say. I just greet people once a month. But think about it: If you’re the first person someone visiting your church sees, you can have a tremendous impact on how they view your church … and even how they view Christians, in general.

We are all important in God’s eyes. We have value. Tremendous value. And if we all work together, doing exactly what God called us to do, then Christ’s body will be healthy.

And if His body is healthy, made up of healthy members doing what they’ve been called to do, then this world will be impacted positively for Christ.

So, I guess my question is: How healthy are you? Are you strong, doing what you’ve been called to do? Or do you need a checkup?

Each Part is Important (1 Cor. 12:14-17)

For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be?
(1 Corinthians 12:14-17, NASB)

Those of us who follow Christ are part of His body, His church. And each of us has been gifted uniquely to serve Him. Each of us is important as God uses us to build His kingdom.

Sometimes, though, we put gifts on a hierarchy, thinking that one gift is somehow better than another. We think that preachers and evangelists are more important because they’re up front. And we think that our gifts of mercy or faith just don’t rank as highly.

God’s word makes it clear: We are many parts of one body. And each part plays a very important role in God’s plan.

Preachers help us to better understand God’s word, but they need to be encouraged. And what would your local pastor do without those who have been gifted with administration?

I greatly admire those who have gifts other than mine. I do not have the gift of hospitality, but I’m exceedingly grateful to those who do. So often, I’m blessed to speak at events where the room is decorated beautifully and the ambiance is welcoming—and that’s because women who are truly gifted have put their heart and souls into making the event a wonderful experience.

Just as the body needs each and every part, we need each other.

All the Same (1 Cor. 12:12-13)

For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
(1 Corinthians 12:12-13, NASB)

In Christ, we are all the same. Exactly the same.

God sees us equally. He doesn’t see race or gender or socio-economic status. He doesn’t look at age or geography or education. He doesn’t care about how many years we’ve been following Him or what kind of ministry in which we serve.

He just sees us as His children. His dearly-loved children.

And so should we see each other. No one is better than any other in God’s family (we’ll talk more about that in the next couple of days). We’re all brothers and sisters whose goal should be to help others come to faith in Christ.

Our heart should be to reach all people—all people. No matter where they come from or what they’ve done, all people need Jesus. All people need to be confident they can be saved from their sins. That they can spend eternity with Christ.

We cannot pick and choose to whom we share the gospel. Just as God desires that all people come to faith, so should we. And once they’ve come to know Him, we should love each brother and sister equally.

Just as God does.

Many Gifts. One Spirit. (1 Cor. 12:4-11)

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.
(1 Corinthians 12:4-11, NASB)

If you believe in the God of the Bible, have accepted salvation through the sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and have committed your life to God—Father, Son, and Spirit—you are part of the body of Christ.

And God has gifted you uniquely to serve Him and His people in a way no one else can. In several places in the New Testament, spiritual gifts are mentioned, both implicitly and explicitly. Today’s verses list several gifts, including wisdom, knowledge, faith, and healing.

Yes, knowing the different kinds of gifts God gives is very important. Even more importantly, we need to know what gifts God has given each of us—and use them.

But most important of all, we need to remember that, as many gifts as there are, there is one Spirit, one God who gives these gifts. And “one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.”

If you don’t know how you’ve been uniquely gifted, ask the Spirit to reveal your gift to you. Seek counsel from godly men or women. Find a program that will help to assess your strengths.

And once you’ve determined your gift, use it to glorify God and serve His people.

The Names of God (1 Cor. 12:1-3)

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware. You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
(1 Corinthians 12:1-3, NASB)

Only those who have accepted the gift of salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ can call Him “Lord.”

And He is our Lord. Our Adonai.

I love that God is called by many names in His word. I wrote about this a few years ago:

One of the things I love most about the Bible is that God is called by many names. What I love about that is that I can find God by name in each and every situation. If I’m in pain, I can find Him by name. If I have a need, I can find Him by name. If I’m experiencing tremendous joy, I can find Him by name. If I’m lonely, I can find Him by name. This is such a blessing to my heart, and I hope it blesses your heart as well. When you feel lonely, remember that God sees you and is there for you. You can find Him by calling El Roi: the God who sees (Genesis 16:13). When you have a need, remember that God will provide for you. You can find Him by calling Jehovah Jireh: the Lord will provide (Genesis 22:14). When you’re in pain, remember that you can find Jehovah Rophe: the God who heals (Exodus 15:26). When you’re frightened and unsure, remember that you can find the God who is your Refuge and your Strength (Psalm 46:1). When you’re feeling stressed or out of control, remember that God will calm your spirit; you can find Him by calling Jehovah Shalom: the Lord is peace (Judges 6:24). When you’re feeling unlovable and unloved, remember that you can find the God who is love (1 John 4:16). When you’re surrounded by darkness, remember that you can find the God who is light, and “in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). I encourage you to find a good book on the names of God and of Jesus. As you seek God every day, you’ll find Him however you need Him. (The Best Laid Plans © 2005 Sauni Rinehart)

If you are a follower of Christ, you can call on your God … by whatever name your heart desires.

In a Holy Manner (1 Cor. 11:33-34)

So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that you will not come together for judgment. The remaining matters I will arrange when I come.
(1 Corinthians 11:33-34, NASB)

Communion or the Lord’s Supper is not a time to get together and socialize.

It’s not a time to eat and drink for pleasure. They were to eat for hunger and pleasure only at home, and not to change the holy supper to a common feast; and much less eat up the provisions before those who could bring none did partake of them, lest they should come together for condemnation … Holy things are to be used in a holy manner, or else they are profaned. (Matthew Henry Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible)

And that’s the bottom line, isn’t it? “Holy things are to be used in a holy manner." And guess what? When we accept the gift of salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are holy. And so we also should behave in a holy manner.

Loving our God—heart, soul, mind, and strength. Loving others as ourselves. (See Mark 12:30-31)

Demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit: joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Avoiding the “deeds of the flesh”: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these (vv. 18-21).

Striving to live like Christ in all we say, do, or think. Being lights in a very dark world (see Matthew 5:14-15; Romans, 2:19; Philippians 2:15).

Again I have to ask the question: How are we different from unbelievers? Are we holy people acting in a holy manner? Or are we just like them … except we say we love Jesus?

Something to think about … and I hope you do.

In an Unworthy Manner (1 Cor. 11:27-32)

Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep. But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world.
(1 Corinthians 11:27-32, NASB)

Yesterday, we looked at words that are very familiar to many of us: Do this in remembrance of Me.

Paul was specifically writing about what Jesus said when He served His disciples bread and wine just before His arrest and execution.

But shouldn’t everything we do be done out of gratitude for our Lord’s sacrifice? In several places in Paul’s gospels, he writes about grace and then asks something like, “Does the knowledge that we’re forgiven from our sins give us liberty sin again? May it never be!”

If we consider what Jesus did for us, how He suffered betrayal and denial, torture and ridicule, a horrifyingly painful death, shouldn’t we act and think and speak “in remembrance” of Him? In other words, shouldn’t the Savior of our souls be so “front of mind” that we choose to honor Him in all we do?

We are unworthy of His grace, yet God sees worth in each of us. We are, therefore, worthy in His eyes. To do anything in “an unworthy manner” (in a manner that doesn’t honor Christ) whether it’s taking communion, dealing with our children, interacting with our coworkers—even updating our Facebook status—is just like saying what Jesus did doesn’t really matter.

Oh …. And may that never be!

Do In Remembrance (1 Cor. 11:23-26)

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
(1 Corinthians 11:23-26, NASB)

“Do this in remembrance of Me …”

Just three days ago, we celebrated the resurrection of our Lord and Savior—something we should certainly celebrate every single day.

But we Christ-followers follow another solemn tradition when we take part of communion or the Lord’s Supper.

Like many things, however, we may take this event for granted. Some churches have communion monthly or quarterly or as the Spirit leads. However often we partake, we must remember what eating of the bread and drinking of the wine really means.

We are remembering how Jesus was willing to experience the horrifying pain of a broken body and how His blood was spilled to save us from our sins. Thorns in His head. A cat o’ nine tails ripping apart His back.

For you. For me.

And so when we eat a bit of bread or a piece of cracker, we should do so with gratitude and humility. And when we sip the wine or juice, our hearts should break as we remember what He did for us.

Let’s never take the Lord’s Supper for granted. Let it never be just another ritual or tradition.

Rather, let us always do so in true remembrance of our Lord and Savior.

No Divisions (1 Cor. 11:17-22)

But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse. For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you. Therefore when you meet together, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper, or in your eating each one takes his own supper first; and one is hungry and another is drunk. What! Do you not have houses in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? In this I will not praise you.
(1 Corinthians 11:17-22, NASB)

Paul wrote to the church at Corinth just a handful of years after Christ’s ascension … and already there were “divisions” and “factions” in the church. People were coming “together not for the better but for the worse.”

And sadly, not much has changed over the centuries.

So much is being written and discussed about how people “love Jesus, but hate the church.” The church is full of hypocrites, they say. Those church people are so exclusive, so intolerant.

And within the church, denominations abound. So much “my church is better than your church.”

The tragedy is that the “church” isn’t a building. It’s not a place. The true church is the body of Christ, the One who gave His life to provide salvation for all people. For all people.

That’s what we seem to forget. We are all sinners. We are flawed, imperfect, unrighteous. Yet when we put our trust in Jesus, when we believe in Him and accept His gift of salvation, we become part of His body, part of His church.

We are hands, feet, eyes, and ears of the very same body. And as such, we should work together, love each other, serve each other. We should be healthy and growing. And others should want to be a part of this body because of how attractive it is.

No divisions within the church. And a desire to be part of the true church from without.

Imitating Christ (1 Cor. 11:1)

Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.
(1 Corinthians 11:1, NASB)

Jesus Christ suffered and died for our sins. He was buried and then rose from the grave. He appeared to hundreds of people before His ascension into heaven.

And a new faith was begun.

It wasn’t too long before a new term was used: Christian (see Acts 11:26). Out of curiosity, I decided to Google “definition of Christian.” Webster’s simply says, “one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ.” But that seems too simple. Many people profess to believe in Christ, but belief isn’t enough. After all, “the demons also believe, and shudder” (James 2:19).

Another online dictionary states that a Christian is one who “profess[es] belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus” (thefreedictionary.com).

Yet even that seems lacking.

The best definition—for me at least—is Christ-follower or one who strives to live like Christ. Or as Paul writes, one who imitates Christ.

Today, some Christians don’t like the term because the world equates “Christian” with “hypocrite.” And yes, many people have done some really hurtful things in the name of Christianity.

But what if those of us who bear the name of our Savior really did all we could do to live like Christ, to imitate Him?

To love others as ourselves. To be willing to lay down our lives for others. To be gentle and kind and humble.

Then perhaps the term would be revered—even among those who choose not to follow Christ.

A Morning of Joy!

The women rose early that Sunday morning—those who could sleep at all. Yesterday, they’d gathered together to mourn the terrible loss. They’d embraced, holding each other in desperate grief.

It was beyond comprehension. Jesus was dead.

Mary Magdalene, who owed her very life to the Master, assembled the various herbs and oils they’d need to anoint the body. The body of Jesus …

Salome, who’d followed Jesus for months, folded clean linens that would replace Friday evening’s hastily applied wrappings.

Mary, the mother of James, assured Jesus’ own mother they’d take great care of her Son. “Just rest today, Mary. We will come back to you as soon as we can. Just rest.”

They met outside Salome’s home, and quietly made their way to the tomb. Speaking softly. Weeping quietly. Mary Magdalene wondered out loud, “Who will move the stone? Certainly the guards will not help us.”

Around the last bend to the burial site. Bracing themselves to view the body of their Master.

What was this? The stone already rolled away? Who had already been to the grave so early this Sunday morning?

Mary Magdalene stooped to look, and then wailed, “He is gone! Someone has stolen His body.”

Salome and Mary joined in her sobbing.

Then a voice: "Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you.” (Mark 16:6-6)

The women fled, trembling, and rushed back to where Christ’s intimates had gathered. They told Peter and the others what they had been told. Peter and John ran to the tomb, followed closely by Mary Magdalene. As the two men entered the tomb, Mary stood outside weeping. Even with the words she’d heard, she still didn’t understand.

Then a voice just behind her asked, “Woman, why are you weeping?”

She assumed it was the gardener and cried, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him … if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." (John 20:15)

Then a miracle. The voice, one she finally recognized, said just one word, “Mary!”

She turned. It was the Master! Alive! Just as He’d said.

A night of sorrow and a day of silence, immediately became a morning of joy! The Master lived!

And the world would never be the same.

A Day of Silence

Saturday morning. Those who had followed Jesus woke to silence.

John remembered standing at the foot of the cross, his arm around Mary. Jesus had asked him to look after her as a son would. In silence, he wept as Jesus took His last breath. In silence, he watched as they lowered His broken body. In silence, he followed Joseph of Arimathea, who took Jesus’ body to a tomb. In silence, he watched them roll the stone. In silence, he led the grieving mother back to his own home. And this morning, in silence, he grieved.

Peter remembered Jesus’ prophecy. He would deny his master. How prideful he’d been as he boasted, “Never, Lord! Never will I deny you.” In silence, he now wept bitter tears. In silence, he prayed to Yahweh, begging for forgiveness. In silence, he wished for another chance to unashamedly claim allegiance to Jesus. And this morning, in silence, he grieved.

Thomas remembered Jesus telling them He was going to prepare a place for them, but he didn’t understand what He meant. He thought Jesus would be setting up a kingdom on earth. Now He was dead. In silence, he wondered what would become of him. In silence, he listened for the gait of soldiers coming to arrest him as well. In silence, he questioned all he’d learned. And this morning, in silence, he grieved.

The others—Philip, James, Nathanael, Andrew, Matthew, Bartholomew, Judas [son of James], Simon—each remembered the words of Jesus. In silence, they recalled His miracles. In silence, they feared for their own lives. And this morning, in silence, they grieved.

The hours between Jesus’ death on Friday and Sunday morning are silent for us as well. The Bible doesn’t give even a hint of where His followers went, what they said, what they thought. But we can imagine. We can imagine their thoughts, their fears, their confusion. But the one thing we don’t have to imagine?

In silence, that Saturday, they grieved. Because they didn’t know Sunday morning was coming.

A Night of Sorrow

Today is Good Friday, the day we Christians solemnly recognize the sacrificial death of our Lord and Savior, and I just want to spend a few moments reflecting on what Jesus did for us. I’ve been thinking a lot of the unbelievable suffering and pain our Lord experienced—and not just physically. I’ve been thinking a lot about His last twenty-four hours …

In twenty-four hours …

Jesus washed the feet of His disciples … and then felt the agony of a spike through His own.

He celebrated Passover with twelve men who promised to follow Him no matter what … and then watched as every one of them deserted Him.

He sipped wine with His closest friends … and then vinegar from a sponge.

He reclined with the disciple He loved at His side … and then had a spear through that same side.

He prayed in the garden for deliverance from separation from His Father … and then agonized through that very separation.

Our Lord and Savior felt joy and sorrow, friendship and betrayal, comfort and suffering … all within twenty-four hours.

Just for us.

Each of us is given a certain number of twenty-four hours. Only God knows how many twenty-four hours we have. The question is, what are we going to do with each of our twenty-four hours?

He did so much for us. What are we going to do for Him?

Do All For the Glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31-33)

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.
(1 Corinthians 10:31-33, NASB)

If only we lived this way: Doing everything to the glory of God.

Everything.

What we think. What we say. What we do. All for God’s glory.

Not too long ago, the initials WWJD were wildly popular: What Would Jesus Do? The idea behind it was exactly what verse 31 says. We should live to always bring glory to God.

Loving others. Treating them with gentleness, kindness, and patience. Looking beyond our differences and celebrating the similarities.

Serving God—heart, soul, mind, and strength. Seeking His will. Following His plan.

Praising Him. Worshipping Him.

Glorifying Him.

In everything.

Living For Christ (1 Cor. 10:23-30)

All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor. Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions for conscience’ sake; FOR THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S, AND ALL IT CONTAINS. If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions for conscience’ sake. But if anyone says to you, “This is meat sacrificed to idols,” do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience’ sake; I mean not your own conscience, but the other man’s; for why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks?
(1 Corinthians 10:23-30, NASB)

God established the law to help His created beings know how to live. As Paul wrote to the church in Rome: “I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COVET’” (7:7, NASB).

But those of us who have accepted the gift of grace and salvation through the sacrificial death and resurrection of our Savior are no longer under the law (see Galatians 3:13; 4:5). Instead of focusing on a list of “do’s” or “do not’s,” we should instead focus on living as Christ did. We should strive to love our God—heart, soul, mind, and strength—and love our neighbors (see Mark 12:30-31).

Think of it: If each of us really focused on living the “fruit” of the Spirit, how different would this world be? If only we were people of “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23a, NKJV). Why? “Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (5:23b-25).

However, even if we're not under the law, just because we can do something, doesn’t mean we should do something. We’re not all gifted the same way, and each of us is called to serve God in the way He’s called.

Certainly, we need to live righteously, but more importantly, we need to seek God’s will in all things. striving to glorify our Lord.

Right Sacrifices (1 Cor. 10:14-22)

Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; you judge what I say. Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread. Look at the nation Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar? What do I mean then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? We are not stronger than He, are we?
(1 Corinthians 10:14-22, NASB)

It’s so easy to get caught up with the things of this world … too easy. We’re inundated with images of wealth, beauty, sex. The biggest, fastest car. The grandest house. The designer clothes. The gorgeous celebrities. It’s all so enticing.

And it’s easy to make things and people our idols. We focus on them instead of God. We “sacrifice” to them instead of to the One who created us and then made a way for salvation.

It’s true. We may not literally sacrifice on an altar, but we do sacrifice every day. We sacrifice our time, our money, our God-given skills and talents.

Instead of spending time in prayer, we watch television. Instead of focusing on God’s word, we focus on the latest gossip or bestselling novel. Instead of giving to our church, we take the vacation of a lifetime.

I’m not saying these things are bad in themselves. I watch television. I read novels. I love to travel. But I try very hard to make these things significantly lower on the priority scale than my time with God.

We can’t sacrifice to the world and equally sacrifice to God. One or the other will come out on top.

The question is: Which is more important? Where are we investing the majority of our time, treasures, and talents?

Enduring Temptation and Trial (1 Cor. 10:11-13)

Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
(1 Corinthians 10:11-13, NASB)

Sometimes I reread a verse I’ve read many times before, and I’m struck again by how God blesses His children.

Many Christ-followers are familiar with verse 13: No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. And it gives me both peace and confidence.

Peace because I know God is faithful in all things, even in times of temptation or trial.

I do have to make a clarification here: I used to work with a woman who insisted that temptation meant exactly that and those who paraphrased the verse as “God will not allow you to experience trials beyond what you are able to bear” were wrong. However, when you look at the word “tempted” and cross-reference with at least one other reference using the root word (see 2 Peter 2:9), you find it does also mean trial. The Amplified Bible helps clarify even further:

For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.

And so, I can be confident that not only will God not give me anything more than I can endure, but He’ll also give me the strength to endure it.

Trials will come. Since the fall in the garden, they’re just a part of life. But we can be confident that our faithful God will see us through.

Praise Him!

Some "Do Nots" (1 Cor. 10:6-10)

Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, “THE PEOPLE SAT DOWN TO EAT AND DRINK, AND STOOD UP TO PLAY.” Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents. Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.
(1 Corinthians 10:6-10, NASB)

In these verses, Paul gives us several “Do nots.”

Do not be idolaters. Some of us think of idolatry as worshipping an image of some other god, and yes this is true. But idolatry is more than that. We Christians can be idolaters. If we put anything—things, hobbies, work, relationships—ahead of God, then they become idols in our lives. I quoted Susanna Wesley a while ago when I wrote about sin, but I think her words speak to this idea of idolatry as well:

Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, takes off your relish for spiritual things, whatever increases the authority of the body over the mind, that thing is sin to you, however innocent it may seem in itself.

We need to make absolutely certain God is number one priority in our lives.

Do not act immorally. When we do anything that goes against God’s moral code, we sin. We are to keep ourselves pure and abstain from sin of any kind: sexual, spiritual, mental, emotional. We should strive to dwell on those things that are good and lovely and edifying (see Philippians 4:8). We should “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (1 Timothy 2:22, NKJV).

Do not try the Lord. While many of us go to the story of Gideon and his testing of God with the fleeces, we need to trust God and His plan. We need to focus on Him and spend time in His word and in prayer. We need to love Him fully—heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Do not grumble. Of all these “do nots,” this may be the hardest for some of us! We tend to be a discontented lot. We have been blessed so much, yet we want more. God promises to supply our needs—not our wants—and, for many of us, He has done so abundantly. God miraculously brought the Israelites out of slavery, and provided food and water, and yet they grumbled. God provided for their needs. yet they complained time and time again (see Exodus 15:24; 16:2; 17:3). Our needs have also been provided for, and yet, we, like the Israelites, we grumble and complain. We must not to do so.

God, and our relationships with Him, must be our first priority. We must live to please Him by not living immorally or testing Him or grumbling.

Because one day, we’ll stand before Him. And I don’t know about you, but I long to hear, "You are a good and faithful servant … Come and share in my happiness!" (Matthew 25:23, CEV).