08 January 2024
Some people think that any desire for increase, growth, or the best gifts is automatically selfish. Not only do they refuse to allow themselves to desire the best in life, but they often judge others who express a desire for more. They can be especially harsh on those who actually have more. Yet there is nothing wrong with desiring more, or even having more. What matters is the attitude of our hearts towards others. In fact, Paul tells us to earnestly desire the best gifts from God. Therefore, that desire for increase must be a good thing for us to have. He's specifically talking about spiritual gifts, which are even better than natural gifts. Then Paul goes on to show us a more excellent way to desire that increase. The key is for love to be our motivation. Selfish motivations which feed our own flesh are destructive. But when our desire for increase includes a love for others and a desire to bless them with the increase we see, then we are on that more excellent path Paul shows us. If you've been taught that desiring more is wrong, perhaps you might give this some thought today. Ask God to show you His desires for your life. I think you'll find God wants to give you even more than you ever dreamed of!
But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. — 1 Corinthians 12:31 (NKJV)