1 Corinthians chapter 13 is that perfect role model everyone would love to be but just can’t seem to get there. It’s like the younger sibling compared to the older sibling. “Why can’t you be more like your brother?” To the younger one it looks like a bar or mark has been set so high they can’t possibly reach it.
It’s like drawing an X on the ground and then attempt to jump out of an airplane and hope to land perfectly on the center of your target. If you did it the first time it was probably a fluke or a sudden change in the wind, just teasing it may be skill. It may take several attempts to get close with many factors getting in the way of reaching the goal you were aiming for but oh well. The biggest factor is how determined we are to get it right.
We can look at it as the bar is too high or the mark being out of our reach or we can view 1 Corinthians 13 as the X on the ground to aim at. The spot we want to try to hit, achieve, or land on. You would think the larger the list the bigger the target the easier it would be to land on it but that isn’t the case. For everything added to these verses the target appears to get smaller and smaller. Why is this? Because we think it’s out of our reach, out of ability to accomplish, and that’s not true.
These verses in the Bible are a guide to keep us focused. We may have the pride part conquered but being patient or not easily angered might be factors that get in our way. We can’t allow them to stop us. Instead we need to use them to remind us of where we need to be. It may take our entire life to accomplish each mark or characteristic of what love really is but that’s okay too.
We need to stop and praise the Lord that He doesn’t add timelines to the things He wants us to accomplish in our lives. After 30 years of marriage there are a few things my husband and I have yet to accomplish but that’s okay. There is no timeline, there is no cut off date to scramble for and hope to reach. The speed in which we get there is often determined by our attitude and determination to move forward.
Indeed forward towards the X on the ground and the love in our hearts just waiting to blossom.
© 2012 Karen Gillett @ Pencil Marks and Recipes
3 comments:
I think to many people try to live the scriptures on their own strength, but you can't. You must use the strength God gives you... Then you will succeed. God doesn't set us up to fail. He wants us to succeed. Enjoyed your post.
I always love to read your take on our quotes. And the Bible is the X. God's Word teaches us how to love. And I for one, could not love except as I abide in Him. He does the loving in me and through me. My darn flesh often gets in the way though. So my part is to stay in the Word, to give Him each day and ask Him for His love to give to others. I certainly don't always get it right but when I do, I love it.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Hi Karen,
You are so right, we must be patient and never allow "stuff" to get in our way of perseverance in patience, love, and forgiveness. God has sent us on a mission! :)
Thanks for the visit, I loved your comment! :)
Blessings and hugs,
Denise
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