IT PAYS BETTER

READ: Romans 13:8-10

These things I command you, that you love one another. – John 15:17

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 18-20

What kind of lifestyle do you believe in and live? Is it one of focused selfishness, or one of lovingly seeking to meet the needs of others? (Rom. 13:8).

One popular and influential novelist of our day espouses a godless philosophy that is totally self-centred. The hero of one of her early novels says, “The word we must never be spoken …. I see the face of a god, and I raise this god over the earth,… who will grant them joy and peace and pride. This god, this one word: I.”

What are the results of living entirely for us? Such a lifestyle may bring pride, and according to the author of the quote above, pride is the sum of all the virtues. Yet ruthless self-concern doesn’t bring joy, nor does a self-centred lifestyle bring peace. One discerning reviewer made this statement about the selfish novelist: “She seems to be one of the unhappiest persons who ever lived.”

God’s Word sets forth the precise opposite of such a self-centred philosophy of life. The guiding principle for abundant living is that we love our neighbour as we love ourselves (v. 9). What do we experience when we live such a lifestyle? “Righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (14:17). A life of love – it definitely pays better! – Vernon Grounds

Love is giving for the world’s needs,

Love is sharing as the Spirit leads,

Love is caring when the world cries,

Love is compassion with Christ-like eyes. – Brandt

Love is the door through which we pass from selfishness to service.