Real gifts

Friday, March  3, 2000

VERSE:
   You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?
    -- 1 Corinthians 3:3, New International Version
       <http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?1+Corinthians+3:3>

THOUGHT:
    The church in Corinth thought they had it all together.  They thought their wisdom, gifts, and tolerance were above all others.  The funny thing is that we look to 1 & 2 Corinthians for guidance as churches fall into little (or big for that matter) power struggles.  They thought they had arrived.

    Ever watch children argue?  From the outside, it looks silly, but if you were the child, it is anything but.  Conflict, it has been around for a long time(Cain & Abel), and unfortunately, it will probably remain.

    But hear the Good News, through Christ, we are given a heart of peace and compassion.  We have the gift of Love, of Faith, and of Hope.  Share these gifts among all you meet.  Let your wisdom be shown in silence, your gifts in what you do and your tolerance through your Faith, Hope and Love.

PRAYER:
   Holy and Righteous Father, please convict me of my Love for you.  Help me to see my arrogance.   Help me see my weaknesses.  Bless me as I seek to overcome my sinfulness and weakness with the help of your Spirit.  And further, let me share my gift of faith, hope, and love.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.