He says...
"If I gave everything I have to the poor
and even sacrificed my body,
I could boast about it;
but if I didn't love others,
I would have gained nothing. "
(1 Corinthians 13:3 NLT)
I hear...
"If I give money to needy causes,
donate items we don't need;
even those items we still use or want
to worthy causes,
and if I work my self crazy doing
good things for other people and worthy causes..
but if I do not love those around me,
I am not learning anything,
teaching anything or gaining anything,
all that work and energy will be worthless."
1 Corinthians 13:3
(My Interpretation)
The Christmas season is upon us...many, many wonderful things are going on around us! Many opportunities to give and to serve...but what kind of heart are you doing it with? Stop and evaluate why and even how you are giving or doing...are you doing and giving in Jesus name? Is there someone close by you that has heard you complain about doing or giving? If so, you need to stop....stop giving, stop doing...then refocus your heart, and try again!
Don't let this Christmas season pass you by, and all you have to show for it is stress. Savor the moments, even if it means you may run a little late! :-) Last night was my 1st graders Christmas program. She was supposed to be there no later than 6:15. I had plans to be out the door by 6pm. However, as we were dolling up, and 'manning' up, the Lord whispered to my heart...'How are you going to remember this night if you rush through it? Take a picture.'
And it was a wonderful night. My kids were especially excited that I took the time...allowed us to be a few minutes late so we could savor how wonderful they all looked! :-) I didn't realize how much that little picture would mean to some of them, but my Lord...their Lord... did! Had I not listened to Him, I may have rushed us all along, making my children feel like I didn't care about the work they put into looking their best. They matter to me, I love them with all my heart. I need my Lord to remind me from time to time to slow down and make sure I show them.
Have a blessed day!!
