Meditations of a Missionary

Though I speak the language of the people I serve,
And can preach with the eloquence of a fiery evangelist;
Though as a surgeon I can operate with skill;
Though as an agriculturalist I can raise high-grade river rice;
Though as a teacher I can deliver learned lectures,
But do not have love, my message is empty.

And though I have the talent of a diplomatic organizer and administrator in councils and meetings,
though I have all the confidence I need, to raise large funds, but do not have love, I am good for
nothing.

Love, if it is genuine in the life's work of a missionary, is patient and constructive. It does not seek
for position and prestige. It does not try to seize initiatives and force itself into people's private
lives. Love does not cherish inflated ideas about its own importance. It is never anxious to impress.
Love tries to identify itself with people, to respect people deeply. And is never puffed up.

Love that is genuine does not belittle. It never keeps statistics of other people's mistakes. Love is
not easily provoked when there is a difference of opinion. When unknown rumors are spread, love
believes the best. Love is never cynical.

Love that is genuine is a partnership. Love is not touchy. Love never hides hurt feelings. Love
never barricades understanding. It never bears grudges. Love rejoices in discovering and sharing
truth.

Love keeps an open mind. Love is willing to try new methods, to trust other people, to ask for help,
to seek advice, to knock on other doors.

Love does not consider the past so precious that it blinds us to new insight, new vision. Love gives
courage to change old ways when necessary. Unless we are prepared to adapt and change, we shall
have defenders of an old system but no new voice. We shall have preachers but not prophets. We
shall keep the bush neatly pruned by hired hands with expensive equipment. But within the bush
there will be no burning fire.

We are in a period of transition and change. We must learn to live there. Who knows exactly
where we are going and what will happen? After all, we are led by the spirit who is renewing the
earth. Now, here, we can only see as though a glass, darkly. But whatever happens, whatever
direction the winds of change may take, there is this certainty --- our Lord Jesus Christ will not
leave himself without a witness.

So be aware of this: institutions will pass away, but labor wrought by hands that have worked with
people in need and the message of the saving love of Christ who died and rose and lives as head of
life will never, never pass away. In life there are only three things that last: faith, hope, and love,
these three. But the greatest of these is love.