Reformátusok Lapja, 1970 (70. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1970-08-01 / 8-9. szám
12 REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA LOVE IS THE GREATEST! (I Corinthians 13 For Moderns) Though I speak in psychological terms and compose beautifully- worded prayers, if I don’t speak in love my words sound like an electric guitar with a faulty amplifier, or a harp incorrectly tuned. And though I can correctly predict the outcome of future elections and the end of the Vietnam war, and understand nuclear physics and how to sustain life on other planets, and though I have faith enough in these days to say “God cares,” if I speak without love, it comes to nothing. And though I give away everything 1 own and though I soak my one remaining suit in gasoline and set myself on fire, if I don’t act in love, it accomplishes exactly nothing. Love accepts the people who bug him and doesn’t bug them back. Love doesn’t care if the man next door has a color TV set and a sports car; love doesn’t ever sound as if he knows it all or feel that he has all the answers. Love does not embarrass others by his behavior in public or in private; is not possessive of his money or his friends; is not irritable nor interested in gossip. He is not secretly pleased when others make mistakes, but is glad when someone else gets the credit. Love takes the responsibility for what may not be his fault, never thinks “the other guy” is out to get him, trusts that things are going to come out all right in the end even though he has no reason to think so, and meets every crisis in the confidence that there is something to be learned from it. Love is the answer. Gurus, psychologists, and trips to the moon will come and go. This is as much as we know at the moment. But there is coming a day in the future when we shall know God and His plan for us as surely as He now knows us and our plans. Until that day, remember: We need faith and hope, but love is the greatest. Before you make a will... GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING About 20 percent of the funds available to carry out the General Assembly General Mission of the Church are contributed by United Presbyterians who have died. Had they not been thoughtful in providing for the Church in their wills, the outreach of the Church today would be even more reduced than it is. Everyone 21 years of age and older should have made a will. The Church as named in a will is not the beneficiary but an agent. The motive of a bequest always should be mission, not maintenance. Unless its use is so designated, your descendants will use the funds as an excuse for not giving, thus crippling rather than enriching their ministry. Before making a will, consult with church leaders to learn of causes which could make effective use of extra support. Draft the will so that your intention is clear to those who administer it. Revise the will from time to time as your sense of Christian responsibility deepens. A Christian’s will reflects the importance of the Gospel to him TEN RULES FOR WORSHIP i Worship begins as I close the door to my home. On my way, I pray for my church, for the minister, and for those who worship far and near. II Before I enter the house of God, I pause a moment that I may cast off and leave outside all things and thoughts unbecoming to a child of my Heavenly Father; hates, grudges, frettings, worldly cares, and sinful thoughts. III The moment I enter the door of this sacred house I cease all conversation. I come in silence, for great things arise out of quietness and minister to me and to those about me. IV As soon as I am seated, I bow my head in prayer. I pray for others as well as for myself. I pray for my church and its great causes. I ask God to be near me now. V I join in singing the hymns and bow my head during the amen. I think about the words of the sermon and let their meaning and spirit go down to the roots of my soul. VI As I lay my offering on the plate, I say a prayer of thanks for my money, and I ask God’s blessing on its use here and in the uttermost parts of the earth. VII Throughout the service I think of God objectively. As power, peace, strength, and love, He is all I need for life as it should be. VIII I listen as my minister preaches from God’s Word, and I seek to apply his message to my life. I pray for him as he preaches.
