Paul just finished talking about spiritual gifts in chapter 12, and now what he is saying is these spiritual gifts are great to seek after and desire, but using them without love really gains you nothing. When I read this today, I thought to myself do people really “give my body over to hardship that I may boast”? Then I thought, of course. It’s the Pharisee syndrome. Woe is me, look at me. I’m so spiritual. Such an easy trap to fall into. We may be giving sacrificially, or volunteering every night in the church, or reading our bible 8 hours a day, but if we are doing it and making sure everyone else around us know about it, this is what Paul is warning us of. We have all been given gifts, we are to use them in love for the kingdom of God. We shouldn’t feel a need to tell the world what we’re doing, but rather your good deeds should begin to speak for themselves. Do less if you need to, but put your whole heart into it. Our earthly mission is all about loving others.

Today is a heart test. Am I willing to do things for the kingdom of God even if no one else knows about it? Or do I need to be re-affirmed and needing a slap on the back for my efforts?

Lord, thank you for another day of life. Thank you for the challenge of this chapter. Lord, search my heart, reveal to me if I have places in my life where I may do things without love as my motivation. Give me a new joy for others and for serving You. May the joy of the Lord fill each on reading this today. in Jesus name, amen.