He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says
With all this talk about gifts, love remains the key to using them well!
It is love that will keep you strong to the point of Jesus’ return, and will motivate you to live a life that is blameless and pure! A church may have the most powerful and committed leaders and preachers, the most generous and sacrificial of givers, the most knowledgeable of bible teachers and even the grandest of buildings, but without love amongst the people it remains a hollow shell with no substance or reality to its spiritual life. One of the saddest verdicts on the life of any church can be found in Revelation 3:17 where it is said of the Christians in Laodicea ‘You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.’
To have all the trappings of a gifted and rich life, and yet lack the one thing that makes for real greatness is desperate indeed. I have everything I want, and yet miss out on what is really important is uniquely sad.
I suggested earlier in the week (Tuesday) that it might be useful to talk to a friend about your gifts; how about a reality check on love in your life and your concern for the welfare of others?