The Working Clothes of Love (Part 3)

We continue to examine Paul’s working definition of love as revealed to him by the Spirit of God and so come to a phrase that should genuinely give us pause. Perhaps, it is because this phrase strike very close to home. He writes that love “seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil” (I Corinthians 13:5).

Genuine love does not seek its own, i.e. love is disinterested. If someone is disinterested, that person is not influenced by considerations of personal advantage. Such a one does not ask “What is in it for me?”. That kind of question is obviously self-serving and we may quickly deny such selfish behavior. But consider this character portrait of love in every one of its facets. For example, how readily do we give up our “free time” to visit a sick friend, run an errand for a loved one, or help a neighbor in one of his home projects? Each of us has our own daily agenda, which not only disallows for impromptu alterations, but actually resists them. Frankly, to have an agenda at all works against being disinterested. An agenda is an intentional planned use of time that necessarily competes with other interests.

Christ gave us a very clear picture of this aspect of love in what is known as the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). A rich, young ruler had approached the Lord and asked him, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” In the exchange that followed, the command from the Old Testament law to “love thy neighbor as thyself” became a sticking point to the young ruler. The Bible says that “he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, and who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). It is at this point that Christ offered his parable of the good Samaritan.

He begins by telling that “a certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead” (Luke 10:30). Sometime after this a priest came by and when he saw him (the wounded man), “passed by on the other side.” After this a Levite likewise passing by “looked on him, and passed by on the other side.” It is plain that helping this robbed and wounded man was clearly not on either of their agendas.

At this point the Samaritan arrives on the scene and “when he saw him, he had compassion on him. And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, take care of him” (Luke 10:33-35).

Surely, the Samaritan had a different agenda that reflected his own interests. Nonetheless, the needs of this poor man pressed their claims upon his heart and he was moved to care for him. The Samaritan, unlike the priest and Levite, set aside his own personal interests to exercise compassion upon this traveler. We would say that he was disinterested or, using the language of Paul, he did not seek his own. Could that be said of us? Would others describe us that way?

The Working Clothes of Love (Part 2)

In his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul was constrained to speak on the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how they are to be ministered under the operation of love. That being so, it became necessary for him to spend some time showing what love looked like in its “working clothes.” He continued expanding on what love is not, “…(love) doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil” (I Corinthians 13:5). If we were to linger just a bit over each of these phrases, we would readily discern how far short we fall. One will be enough for the moment.

Love does not behave itself unseemly. This is language we simply do not use today. To behave unseemly is to act unthoughtful or inconsiderate of others. By extension, it means to do nothing of which we might be ashamed. Selfishness is so prevalent and sin is so brazen in our society that there is no shame for our inconsiderate and unthoughtful acts.

Having good manners is a perfect illustration of not behaving unseemly. One doesn’t chew with one’s mouth open because it is unsightly. One doesn’t belch or make other undesirable body noises because it is inconsiderate of others. We really don’t have to think long or hard to note the absence of considerate behavior in modern America. Even Disney’s Lion King made flatulence popularly humorous. We as a people are genuinely inconsiderate of others.

To be thoughtful of others requires a measure of restraint on my part. We are an unrestrained people. Kindness, courtesy, and deference in open or public forums (including email) is trampled upon. In order for our voice to be heard (and we must be heard!), we must speak loudly, we must speak harshly, we must speak disparagingly. We don’t listen with thoughtfulness or with consideration. We listen long enough to plan our next verbal barrage. We don’t talk with people. Rather, we talk at them. A lack of civility is a prominently emerging characteristic of our society.

As I am writing this, I can actually sense heads nodding. We all agree that we see this unthoughtful behavior all around us. People in every kind of circumstance are quick to act without consideration – the busy intersection, the crowded parking lot, the check-out lane, etc. People are just not willing to take the time to put others before themselves. The problem is that we see it in others, but we are often blind to it in ourselves.

Jesus Christ on the other hand is the very picture of loving consideration. Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Immediately after endorsing this selfless consideration of others, Paul points to Christ and pleads “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God…humbled himself, and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:4-8). Oh, to be like Christ!

The Working Clothes of Love

The concept of love in our modern American society is so very distorted from the truth. It ranges somewhere between the Hollywood version that is nothing more than fleshly lust to the smarmy Kodak version of love we see in television commercials, e.g., a man and a woman walking their dog on the beach in the early morning sun. Both of these versions create false expectations in our relationships that we have one with another. In its very essence, love is selfless labor on behalf of others. Paul summarized it as this in his letter to the church at Rome, “Love worketh no ill to his neighbor, therefore love is the fulfilling of the law” (Romans 13:10). More pointedly, love puts my neighbor’s interests above my own.

We all have trouble with expressing love rightly because we are all very selfish at heart. Only the gospel of Christ can deliver us from self-love and enable us to love others in a manner that reflects true, God-honoring love. Paul, writing to those gospel believers in Corinth, spent much time describing the working clothes of love to show them expressly what love looks like in its truest form.

Following his exhortation to longsuffering and kindness, he writes “love envieth not, love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up” (I Corinthians 13:4). In spite of what may seem familiar to us, we do well to take a moment to put some flesh on the bones of his teaching.

Envy is any wrong feeling that is excited or stirred as you view of the good of others. We all know what that feeling is like – someone gets recognized in the office newspaper, commended for a job well done, or promoted to a new position. That disappointment for ourselves that lingers unto resentment is envy. It is rooted in pride and self-love. We may force a smile, extend the hand, stumble through congratulatory remarks, but the feeling lingers. That is envy. It is sin. It is the complete opposite of love.

Contrast envy with the matter of vaunting one’s self. We do not use the word “vaunt” much in our current English language. It is defined as every form of the desire to gain the applause of others. Think of the reach of that definition – every form. Without a doubt that desire comes in many and various forms and every one of them is contrary to true love. Who among us does not desire laudatory recognition, i.e. to be singled out from others? Who among us genuinely resists that pursuit?

Paul concludes this portion of his instruction with the simple testimony that love “is not puffed up.” There is no drawn-out, grad school definition for this phrase. It means conceited. We all have a tendency to view ourselves quite charitably. If we are mindful of our faults at all, we let them rest quietly in the back of our minds where they do not bother us. Paul wrote in another epistle that we should not think of ourselves more highly than we ought, but to think soberly in view of God’s grace unto us (Romans 12:3). Even so, we nonetheless struggle.

Love for others requires deliverance from our own selfish ways. Only the grace of God can give such deliverance. Let us seek to walk in true love. Let us know the gospel of God’s grace to make this love real in and through us.

The Path to Unity

Unity is a much desired and, consequently, much sought after commodity. It is difficult to achieve, hard to keep, seemingly impossible to recapture, but ever worth the effort. David had this to say about unity. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard that went down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore” (Psalm 103). Note that “there” in this passage points to where “brethren dwell together in unity.”

This passage speaks of the blessing of unity among “brethren.” In its narrowest application, this Psalm teaches God’s blessing is upon those of his family who walk together in truth. But the premium that God places upon unity in this example shows why unity is so important in virtually all arenas of life – family, church, the work place, government, etc. Yet, at this moment, many of us would lament that unity is beyond our grasp. How very tragic!

Unity with others requires that we share a common cause. For example, I can be united with other Cleveland Indians’ fans because we share in our desire to see them win. But this kind of unity is superficial and unfulfilling (especially if you are an Indians fan!) Real unity is rooted in truth. James addressed this when he compared earthly wisdom to heavenly wisdom. “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:14-17).

Earthly wisdom leads to confusion and every evil work. The wisdom from above (from God) however is “first pure, then peaceable.” Truth must govern the heart before there can be peaceful accord. The people of our nation have abandoned truth. We no longer seek to discover truth – we determine it for ourselves! My truth becomes that which pleases me. Consequently, every man and woman has their own truth. There is not much opportunity for agreement and unity in such a people.

But peace can still prevail, if not among the people, then certainly in my own heart. Become a proclaimer and practitioner of truth. “Great peace have they which love thy law and nothing shall offend them” (Psalm 119:65).

The Only Way

Paul reminded the church at Corinth of the Israelites’ repeated disobedience to God in their journey through the wilderness. He warned them that they could easily fall into such careless living if they were not careful because these temptations are common to all men. While it is true that such temptations are common, it is just as true that God is faithful to make a way to escape them.

The promise that God would provide a way out of the temptation should not be viewed as an invitation to explore sin. We should never tempt God through willful disobedience and assume he will deliver us. Christ came to deliver us from our sins. Hence, we are to resist sin of every kind and in every venue. Sometimes the best way to resist sin is to simply flee from it. Paul resorted to this command immediately after sharing that God would make a way to escape. He told his audience, “Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry” (I Corinthians 10:14).

The church in Corinth was surrounded by pagan worship. Sacrificial offerings made in these pagan temples resulted in meats offered for personal consumption in the temple market district. Purchasing and eating such meats in that locale would quickly identify the Corinthians with that pagan worship and their idols. Paul provided some valuable instruction still worth holding on to today. He had previously acknowledged that “an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one” (I Corinthians 8:4). Nonetheless, he understood the significance of such sacrifices when he told them “the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils” (I Corinthians 10:20).

Though the idols were nothing more than inanimate stone carvings, the worship behind the sacrifices was demonic in origin. Man was created with a sense of the eternal God (Romans 1:18-23) and a disposition to worship. Satan, the father of lies, has created many false ways to take advantage of this disposition. We should not be surprised at the multiple false religions and cults that spring up everywhere. There is only one way to heaven – Jesus Christ. He declared “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

Give earnest reflection to this claim. Jesus claimed to be the very Son of God who gave his body an offering for sin that we might have eternal life. He either told the truth or he was a deceiver. There is no middle ground. The question of the ages has not changed – what will you do with Jesus?

The Need for Preparation and Training

In Acts 4, Peter and the other Apostles are threatened by the high priest and the Sadducees as well as the rulers and elders of the people for healing a lame man and daring to preach that his healing came through faith in the name of Jesus. As the Apostles answered the charges against them, their accusers “saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). What does this mean “that they had been with Jesus”?

It was evident to the rulers of the people that Peter and John were not formally educated and trained in any rabbinical school, yet their command of the Scriptures and the boldness of their assertions required some kind of explanation. They concluded that it necessarily resulted from being with Jesus. In essence, they saw Jesus in them. The disciples sat under the teaching and training of Jesus Christ for three years prior to his passion. They had learned the truths rooted in God’s word from the very Son of God. It was evident that Jesus likewise was not formally educated like the priests, yet it was said of him that “he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Matthew 7:29). No doubt, the Apostles’ boldness brought painful memories to them of their own encounters with Christ.

The Apostles encountered much opposition in their proclamation of the gospel and church-planting endeavors. All of them, with the exception of John, died as martyrs for their faith. Their preparation and training was essential in leading them down a path from which they could not and would not turn back. There is no substitute for proper training. The work of the gospel demands preparation. Paul wrote to Timothy “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Paul wrote to the Thessalonian believers “as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more” (I Thessalonians 4:1; emphasis added). We cannot abound in pleasing him if our knowledge of what pleases him is not growing. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews lamented the lack of growth in his readers. “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:12-14).

There is no substitute for training and preparation. Every profession requires that of those who would excel in their discipline. The walk of the believer requires no less.

The Nature of the Resurrected Body

In his first epistle to the Corinthians, Paul instructed his audience in the reality of the resurrection. Having done that, he follow up with insight as to the nature of the resurrected body. In doing so, he makes several inspired observations that merit sharing for our encouragement.

First, he appeals to the Corinthians’ understanding of husbandry by comparing the resurrection to sowing seed. “That which thou sowest is not quickened [made alive], except it die: and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: but God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body” (I Corinthians 15:37-38). The analogy is straightforward. The farmer plants seeds of corn or wheat or barley, but the seeds germinate and grow in a body that does not resemble the seed planted. God has given corn its own body and likewise for wheat or barley. The plant is different from the seed but it has not lost its identity. Even so, in the resurrection our bodies will be different, but we will not lose our identity. In one sense we will be different, but in another we will be the same.

Paul then uses two examples to illustrate how these variations will be. “All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differ from another star in glory” (I Corinthians 15:39-41). There are variations in flesh and variations in glory. Consequently, we can expect variations between the body sown in death and raised in the resurrection.

“So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption; it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body” (I Corinthians 15:42-44). Incorruption speaks to the intended endurance of the resurrected body; glory speaks to its purpose, the restored image of God; power answers to the renewed capability of the resurrected body, to serve God and accomplish his will. We will have spiritual bodies suited to a new [heavenly] environment.

Jesus Christ appeared to his disciples after his resurrection in a physical, yet glorified body. While his body could be touched (Luke 24:39), it also had supernatural capacities (Luke 24:36-37). He even ate together with them (Luke 24:43). For the believer, the resurrection is a fixed hope that governs our lives here on earth. “For our conversation [manner of life] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21). Is this your hope?

The Ministry of the Gospel Exceeds My Rights

In I Corinthians 8:1-13, the Apostle Paul made a clear case for believers to surrender the exercise of their own rights for the sake of brethren who were weaker in the faith. In so doing, we are required to be mindful of others and to put their welfare above our own. In chapter 9, Paul uses his own experience and practice as an example of such self-surrender to reinforce to his audience that this admonition was not merely rhetorical.

Paul reminds them that he was an apostle and, consequently, he has the right to their financial support and care. “Am not I an apostle…are ye not my work in the Lord…have we not power (authority) to eat and drink…have we not power (authority) to forbear working?” (I Corinthians 9:1-7) He continues by appealing to the Old Testament law. “For it is written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn” (I Corinthians 9:10)

His work among them as an apostle merited their giving to support his material needs. He adds, “If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal (earthly) things?” (I Corinthians 9:11) Finally, he concludes that the “Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel” (I Corinthians 9:14).

However, even though he has proven his right to their support, he affirms to them “But I have used none of these things” (I Corinthians 9:15).  He did not resort to any of these rights and privileges as an apostle to secure support from them. It was this example of his own refusal to exercise his rights that Paul wanted to set before the Corinthians. In so doing he emphasized to them that the ministry of the gospel was far more important than enjoying these rights.

Paul testified “For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew…that I might gain them that are under the law; to them that are without law, as without law…that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak. I am made all things to all men that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake” (I Corinthians 9:23).

The ministry of the gospel is far superior than the enjoyment of any right or privilege. Paul used his own example to teach the Corinthians this precious truth. There is an eternal perspective in this practice that we should be careful to copy in our own lives.

The Judge is at the Door

As James draws his epistle to a close, he offers encouragement to those who are being oppressed.  “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord.  Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain” (James 5:7).  In the context he is addressing those who have been oppressed by the wealthy for reasons of greed and covetousness.  But the principle James offers is equally available to all who suffer at the hands of the wicked – the Lord is coming.

He uses an illustration from agriculture to bolster those who are suffering.  He reminds them that the husbandman (farmer) must wait for the season to run its course, i.e. “until …the early and latter rain” has come and then he shall have his fruit.  There are two key points to bear in mind in the illustration.  The first is that there will be an end to the season – the latter rain shall come.  Second, fruit will come after the latter rain.  So it is that the husbandman is able to simply wait and let the matter run its course.

In the same way, the season of oppression will not go on indefinitely though at the time we may think otherwise.  There is an end.   Furthermore, as with the husbandman who waits for the fruit, so the desire of the oppressed shall be satisfied when the Lord returns.  In fact, James exhorts his audience immediately after the illustration to be “patient, stablish your hearts for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh” (James 5:8).  Note that James goes further this time regarding the promise of the Lord’s return.  Previously, he merely stated that the Lord is coming.  Now, he proclaims that this coming draweth nigh!

We live in times that are unparalleled in our nation’s history.  Wickedness no longer confines itself to the darkness of night.  Rather, it is bold in its assault on righteousness and it seems to have gained the upper hand. But take heart and take note of James’ increasing awareness of the nearness of the Lord’s coming.  For now he tells his readers “behold, the judge standeth before the door (James 5:9).  Yes, He is before the door and He will judge!

Yes, wickedness shall have its run, but its course is defined and its reach is restrained.  Soon the Judge shall come and make all things right.  We shall soon have the latter rain!

The Integrity of Paul and His Ministry

Paul’s ministry of the gospel was characterized by an unparalleled integrity. When he brought the gospel to Thessalonica, he was met with much opposition. Even so, he declares “we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention” (I Thessalonians 2:2). This boldness certainly found its origin in the Spirit of God, but no doubt was made more effectual by a character that was beyond reproach.

Paul testified first to the purity of his message, “for our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: but as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts” (I Thessalonians 2:3-4). The word “deceit” in the original language means pure from error. It speaks to the content of the message. It was reliable, trustworthy; hence, it would not take them down the wrong road. The phrase “nor of uncleanness” has reference to the effect of the message. The gospel of God would not provoke them to immorality, which was a fundamental adornment of the pagan religions from which they came.

He emphasized the purity of his motive. His governing principle was pleasing God from a privileged position. God had entrusted him with the gospel (“allowed of God”) and it was his aim to please him rather than men. I’m sure we are all familiar with men and ministries where that goal simply does not resonate clearly with their labor.

He went on to say “neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness: nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ” (I Thessalonians 2:5-6). He had mentioned previously that there was no “guile” involved. He did not try and “bait” them. He did not try to lull them into a false sense of security with flattering words. His motivation was pure, not shaped by greed (“a cloak of covetousness”) nor did he seek the praise and glory of men.

Paul even maintained that he would not be “burdensome, as the apostles of Christ” to them. He had the right and privilege as an apostle to be financially supported by the church, but he would not exercise that right. He wanted nothing to take away from his ministry or give cause to others to despise his message.

Paul’s message was from God and God uses pure vessels for his work. We, too, are God’s servants though we may not be vocational ministers of the gospel. We are nonetheless his witnesses and it is our opportunity and privilege to serve others in his name. We are walking testimonies of the grace of God, a grace that has delivered us from sin. Our lives should be pure, genuine, transparent, and marked by truth because we live and walk before an audience of One – Jesus Christ.