Charity

From my calendar today, 1 Corinthians 4:13, “Charity suffereth long, and is kind, charity envieth not; charity  vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.” When I go to my Bible I’m currently studying, a New King James version the word charity is replaced with love. Wait a minute I messed up that is 13:4.  Oh, well to the dictionary I go. Charity is defined as, “The providing of help to the poor, spiritual benevolence; brotherly love.” Love is defined as, “A deep devotion or affection for another.” Well I’m in 1 Corinthians 4 now and I can’t get away from it. The fourth chapter of 1 Corinthians is one of the most poetic and beautiful writings in the Bible. It starts out, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I have become a clanging cymbal.” What you do overshadows your words every time.
    How about 4:4, “Love suffers long and is kind, love does not envy, love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked..........hopes all things endures all things.” The Lord has already spoke to me about being provoked and what I said to one that I love. I have found that the statement, “you always hurt the one you love, the one you shouldn’t hurt at all,” is too often true. At that very moment when I said, shut up, I knew I was wrong in what I said. The  one I love dearly was hurt. Love does not seek to harm! Looks like one of those beat up Billy mornings.
    How about 4:8, “Love never fails.” have you had those times when you have tried numerous times to love the situation away. You find yourself beyond your comfort zone, yet you press on trying, wishing that in some way your love will change the heart of that one you love dearly. You see issues, you lovingly provide them support, they don’t change, and you keep on trying. Love can be very frustrating, making demands on you that you would not give time too for yourself, yet because of love you endure.
    What about 4:11, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became a man I put away childish things.” Wow, that one thing could change so many difficult moments in relationships. So often age has little to do with how one acts. Far too many times our childish attitudes carry over into adulthood. Your remarks can hurt or support love. Your actions are often better communicators of what you have in your heart. Where are my steel toed shoes?
    I continue 4:12, “For now we see through a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” I’m convinced that we know so little in His great scheme of things. The why’s, the mysteries, the evil ways man conducts their lives, even my own responses at times, will someday be revealed. While I constantly press on toward the mark I know how far I miss it. My love has yet to reach maturity.  I pray for his guidance and patience.     
    The last verse says, “And now abide faith, hope and love, these three, but the greatest of these is love.” Well my mistake placed me in the scripture I needed today. Sometimes in our quests in life we forget love. I pray that Jesus will continue to be my guide in my pursuit's; He alone is the example. Jesus said, “Greater love has no man then to lay down their life for a friend.” He’s been there, done that, and forever will be our example of perfect love. Thank you Father.

Bill

Unity

 Well the elections are over and now the important part; remembering that even though your vote was on the losing side of the issue, you are still an American, an Ohioan, a citizen of this great country. Now the important part starts. When the election is over and the results in, unity is important. Democrat, Republican, Independent, whatever you might call yourself, we must now determine that we will try to make the best of what the majority of people voted in. For the Christian this can be a stretch but Jesus said, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God’s.” Even though for most part we chose to carry on business as it is, we must all attempt unity with those who see things differently, as we move forward and attempt to turn around our unbridled spending. America is out of control and unity to regain is important, however self interest continues to drive the process and little is accomplished by that.
    Paul calls us to action, Ephesians 4:2-4, “ With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” What is the the Spirit Paul writes about. The Holy Spirit, comes on the day of Pentecost, they are unified and empowered by it.  The world was reached for Christ, by their unity, their commitment to the teachings of Christ. I ask you what is missing in our America today. One, our leaders are not unified, and most are following after their own self interest. Far to much time is spend working on that which will get them elected again.
    It is wonderful to see unity in action. Our church is a good example. As I work with my brothers and sisters in Christ, we are blessed with leadership that fosters development in the things of God. I sometimes question why do some churches grow while others don’t. Is it unity in purpose? Is it the leadership? One does not always know the history of a church. As the past often gets in the way of spiritual growth within the individual, the same can be true for the church. However, I believe unity within the body goes a long way to getting what is wrong righted. Amen! America has been the world’s example of what unity can do, however I fear now at the time of great challenges that many are saying, “ get what you can, every man for themselves.” Greediness doesn’t foster unity!
   Some would say, I have chosen again to write on matters that most would advise to shy away from. You know the advise to never discuss, religion, politics and money; as it will always lead to dissension. Funny how people don’t want to talk about these important issues. Ignoring a sensitive spot only leads to growth of division. Getting recognition of the issues causing problems often helps, but only with unified effort to resolve the issue. Man continue to act like this world is all there is too life. Wow, come on people, you believe in God, know of His love, see the vastness of His creation, and you believe this is all there is. You got to be kidding.
    Well before I lose my focus I have one more thing to write. A good start for the process; Jesus speaking, Matthew 6:31, “ Therefore do not worry saying, what shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or what shall we wear, for after all these the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Unity within the community of man on that principal could solve all the world’s problems. Those of you who are unified around that believe have a great future ahead of you. I thank God for the unity He, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit bring. As Paul writes to the Ephesians, 4:25, “ Therefore, putting away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.”

Bill