“And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and although I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:3
Today’s daily devotional
“Today you will be choosing the person you will be writing about for your biography book report!” Mrs. Sibbles says her dull announcement with great enthusiasm. From the groans of our fourth grade class, it was pretty apparent that she was the only one excited.
The person I chose for my report was Joan of Arc. After school let out, I found myself at the local library buried in books about this amazing historical figure. Not only did I uncover her unshakable passion for God; but her determination to never give up her faith impacted me to the core. She took that love for God to serious proportions– all the way to her grave. The impression Miss Arc left on my heart still stays with me today.
What a strange little child I was! Long after that biography report had been written and graded, I found myself drawing images of Joan going up in flames. Doodling hearts and rainbows didn’t do much for me after I had been opened up to a whole new world of living and dying for a purpose. Whenever I would sit down with my set of colored pencils, I diligently attempted to capture that look of peace on her face, despite the flames that engulfed her.
Doing this led me to wonder if I could ever love God enough to endure that kind of death for His sake. Oy! Just the thought of enduring a paper cut was almost impossible for me. (My mother can also vouch for my annual flu shot anxieties–in case you doubt my faintheartedness.) How would I ever come close to becoming just like my hero, Joan? I concluded that martyrdom, although romantic and noble, was beyond my weak-kneed capabilities. This made me sad; I felt like I was letting God down.
After reading 1 Corinthians 13:3, I find it clear that the most important character qualities that God desires from any of us don’t have to be as dramatic as being burned at the stake. It might be just as painful, but in a different sense of the word pain.
God desires for each of His children to sacrifice themselves in life. This means putting ourselves out there by going through the time and trouble to love others that might not love us back, turning from lifestyles that pleasure us but hurt God, or even risk being uncomfortable or unpopular for His higher purpose.
When one goes out on a limb in their lives for God, that person always risks being burned. But the wonderful comfort God give us is this: He promised that He would never leave us or forsake us. This is the peace that will carry us beyond our temporary trials—it is the supernatural peace of God that is only given to the ones who have given their lives to Him. I think that is a pretty fair trade, don’t you?
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I want to give you all of me—I see the sacrifices many have made in your name and I look at myself and I realize that I am not capable of that kind of commitment, at least, not without your help.
God help me. Help me to be faithful and sacrificial in my everyday life. Use me where I am at today and strengthen me as I go forward in my daily life. I want no separation to come between you and I. Please bless my life to be a spiritual one—all the time. With every choice I make, help me to consider your will and obey the promptings you put on my heart.
I see that love is an important theme for you. I want you to look at my life and know how much I love you by how well I serve others. In Jesus’ precious name, give me the blessing of unconditional love and forgiveness. Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s daily devotional on: 1 Corinthians 13:3
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan