If someone gave you a choice right now of who you think would be the greatest asset in a local church, which of the below would you choose?
A) One who could really preach
B) One whose faith was really evident
C) One was always doing good deeds for others
D) One who loved his brethren
We all love to hear great sermons. We all admire the great faith of those who possess, show it. We all wish we could do as much for others as "Bro. or Sis." so-and-so. But would you believe that the correct answer is D? Would you believe one passage in the Scripture has these 4 choices, and D is the answer the Holy Spirit endorses? Notice 1 Cor. 13.
"Speaking with the tongues of men or angels" (v. 1) or "prophesying" (v. 2) is only noise like cymbals in the absence of love. Faith strong enough to move a mountain (v. 2) actually amounts to nothing without love. All the good deeds one could do (v. 3) doesn't help at all when love doesn't accompany them.
"Love never fails." Voices that once preached great sermons can go silent. Faith that is strong can wane. The ability to do good deeds for others in need can be gone tomorrow. Yet, true Biblical love (active good will for the other's benefit) will never go away. Faith is important because it is necessary to please God (Heb. 11:6) and is what the word of God determines to produce in each of us (Rom. 10:17). Hope is vital because it is all we have at times to get us through sufferings (Rom. 8:23-25). But at last, one day faith will become sight (cp. 2 Cor. 5:7), and hope will disappear when dreams become a reality (Rom. 8:24). This is why Love is the only 1 atttribute that will ever last (1 Cor. 13:4-7). Love for God in this life will always translate into eternal love and devotion when we finally find ourselves before Him around His glorious throne.
Preach a great sermon? Absolutely. Develop and maintain rock-solid faith in God? By all means. Busy yourself in doing good for others and the kingdom? You bet. Just don't forget the badge we wear that is behind all these services for the Lord...LOVE.
