Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1
A missionary who had spent some time in China came to visit our Assembly one Lord’s day. While he was singing choruses with the Sunday School children, he taught them a lovely Chinese chorus. I paid careful attention, and learned the chorus by heart. I can still recall the words, and – when nobody is listening – I can sing the song. But I have no idea what the words mean. They are just like the sounds described in today’s text: sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. They accomplish nothing except to make me feel good. Is that what our attempts at serving the Lord Jesus amount to?
A big brass gong can generate plenty of sound. And the sound from a tinkling cymbal can be very lovely. But that’s all they are: sound. And that’s all we are if all we do is talk and sing about our Salvation. Just like my Chinese chorus, we are meaningless to God and to others unless our actions match our words. The text today begins the Bible’s great chapter on love. And that’s what the Lord Jesus wants to see us display.
Do we maintain a godly, consistent life of friendliness and generosity that will mean something when I hand somebody a Gospel tract or invite somebody to a Gospel meeting? Is my kindness to others evident in my everyday life? Do I lend a hand where it’s needed but not necessarily expected? Do I offer a sympathetic ear to those who need comfort? Do I pitch in with money and supplies when folks are in trouble? There are so many ways that I can show my love for the souls of those around me; do I take advantage of those opportunities?
And what about my fellow-believers, do I show them the love of Christ or the rough side of my tongue? Do I care and share with them, or do I leave them to struggle through their woes? Remember, a cheap Christian is a poor testimony, little more than a noise.
A noisy Christian is not necessarily a loving Christian. Regardless of how many people can hear me coming, if I don’t show love, I don’t show Christ. -Jim MacIntosh