If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1 ESV
You probably have figured out by now that I love to read the writings of Paul. He delivers his message with power and uses terrific imagery. Today's verse is no exception. When Paul speaks of a noisy gong and clanging cymbal, you almost want to cover your ears from the tremendous imaginary racket.
Can't we relate to that? Isn't much of our world today loud and distracting noise. We are faced with a constant bombardment of our senses by TV, radio, and our connected devices. We have talking heads, boisterous groups, and rioters in the streets doing little but stir up angst and chaos. There are too many gongs and cymbals!
Paul says, when we speak, we need to make sure that we aren't just adding to that noise but what we say needs to reflect God's love in us. We may speak plainly as men, or if possible, in angels’ beautiful language, but unless we have Christ's love in our hearts, we are just adding to the racket. What is in our hearts proceeds out of our mouths.
Awesome and Holy God, we come before you today in thanks and praise for your abounding love. Help us today to be more than clanging cymbals in this distracted world. Let all we say and do glorify you. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Tim
Comments