Have you ever wondered what people see when they see you each day? I know when I get up in the morning, and get ready to go to work, there are some things I can do to make sure I look decent. I can make sure the hair I have is neat, my beard is groomed and the clothes I have on look nice. We can all do these things. However, what about as we live throughout the day, making different decisions and dealing with those who come in contact with us? What is it people can see other than how we are dressed or maintained?
In 1 Corinthians 13:13, Paul shares with us other things people can see in us, or in our actions, that we need to make sure we are focused on as we live for God each day. Whether we think about it or not, these are things people can actually see, or not see. This verse basically says there are three areas we need to be focused on and make sure they are ready for others to see. The first area is our faith. We need to make sure our faith is strong and secure in Christ. Without faith, it is impossible to have a growing relationship with God. Our hope of eternal life and salvation is based totally on faith. We have to rely on our faith in God, even in the toughest of times. The next thing we need to focus on is our hope. Hope is what gives us the strength to go on. The hope we have as Christians is for a life with Christ. That is what keeps us going and that is what our focus has be placed upon. Hope is what moves people from impossibilities to possibilities. Hope is what helps people move beyond the trials in life. We must have hope and others must see us living out of that hope. The final thing Paul says we need to focus on is love. We must have love for both God and man. We must allow the love God showed to us on the cross, to move us to showing love to those around us.
All three of these are important and all three of these are vital in our relationship with Christ. It is important to discuss these characteristics being a part of who we are, but it is also necessary to show these things so others will know we are a part of God’s family. While all three are important, Paul says one is more important than the others and that is love. Paul says this because hope and faith come out of love. If we love God, we will have faith that can move us to hope. Without loving God, we can neither trust Him or trust in the hope of eternal life. Love is the most important part of the relationship. As the hymn we sing says, “love is the theme, love is supreme.” Until next week…
Peace and Blessings,
Johnny
