Imaginations

1 Corinthians 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

Paul encouraged us in chapter twelve to cherish the better gifts. He didn’t say which ones were better and I think he left that up to the imagination of the reader. Perhaps the better gift is the one the Lord has bestowed upon you. Perhaps it is a gift you see in others that you do not possess. How you feel about that is really up to you. Then Paul ends the chapter with these encouraging words, “Let me show you a better way.” Then he extols the virtue of charity, Agape, God’s indwelling love.

I skipped over all that Paul said and settled upon verse ten and sat in awesome wonder about all the wondrous things I do know because of the Lord and saw it disappear as if it were another vain imagination. Knowledge was included in those things which we are given in part which will be done away with when perfection comes.

I cannot imagine what I cannot imagine. It is vanity to think that I can. Spiritual gifts as wonderful and powerful but they will no long be required. The gifts of service are a blessing beyond belief but they will no longer be required. I can understand that because they are meant to help the needy, the weak, the babes in Christ, even the mature. We all cherish those gifts as being from God because we are in Christ. But they will not be required when all are perfected. What can I do without knowledge and understanding? I cannot understand that.

It is beyond my imagination.

Hebrews 12:26,27,29 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. For our God is a consuming fire.

What do I have that cannot be shaken?

One thought on “Imaginations”

  1. Your closing question reminds me of the words of an old hymn we sang…..”Jesus is my Savior, I shall not be moved; in His loving favor, I shall not be moved. Just like a tree that’s planted by the waters, I shall not be moved.” Thank you for your loving message on 1 Corinthians 13. What a precious Savior we belong to.

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