By Jim Fowler
If I endorse a particular millennial viewpoint of eschatology,
and am convinced that this is "the plan of God for the ages,"
but do not have love,
then all I have is dogmatic theology.
If I think that I have the prophetic details all figured out,
and the mysteries of the book of Revelation,
and am knowledgable about the hermeneutics of interpreting Scripture,
but do not have love,
I am nothing but an egotistical commentator.
And if I am so convinced that this understanding is the basis for true "spirituality"
and am willing to sacrifice my time, money and reputation to propagate my belief-system,
but do not have love,
it is of no value.
Love allows latitude of liberty,
is considerate of other's opinions,
and is not engaged in competition with other Christians.
Love is not puffed up with pride over having figured out God's intents,
nor discourteous with those who disagree.
Love does not demand that it be "my way or no way,"
or take offense at those who think differently
by hurling upon them the label of "heretic."
Love rejoices that Truth is a Person and not a system of eschatology.
Love knows when to keep its mouth shut,
when to give the benefit of the doubt,
is optimistic of how God will work,
and desires God's unity among His people.
Prophetic speculations will be done away with.
All the clamoring opinions of millennial theories will be silenced.
Eschatological belief-systems will become obsolete.
When the end comes, the partial knowledge
of eschatological considerations will be done away,
and we will see and know God and all His ways.
Now there abides faith which has not yet become sight,
Hope which has not yet become ultimate fulfillment,
but Love is the greatest for it builds up the Body of Christ presently,
and will be eternally expressed as the character of God in the heavenly realm.
If I endorse a particular millennial viewpoint of eschatology,
and am convinced that this is "the plan of God for the ages,"
but do not have love,
then all I have is dogmatic theology.
If I think that I have the prophetic details all figured out,
and the mysteries of the book of Revelation,
and am knowledgable about the hermeneutics of interpreting Scripture,
but do not have love,
I am nothing but an egotistical commentator.
And if I am so convinced that this understanding is the basis for true "spirituality"
and am willing to sacrifice my time, money and reputation to propagate my belief-system,
but do not have love,
it is of no value.
Love allows latitude of liberty,
is considerate of other's opinions,
and is not engaged in competition with other Christians.
Love is not puffed up with pride over having figured out God's intents,
nor discourteous with those who disagree.
Love does not demand that it be "my way or no way,"
or take offense at those who think differently
by hurling upon them the label of "heretic."
Love rejoices that Truth is a Person and not a system of eschatology.
Love knows when to keep its mouth shut,
when to give the benefit of the doubt,
is optimistic of how God will work,
and desires God's unity among His people.
Prophetic speculations will be done away with.
All the clamoring opinions of millennial theories will be silenced.
Eschatological belief-systems will become obsolete.
When the end comes, the partial knowledge
of eschatological considerations will be done away,
and we will see and know God and all His ways.
Now there abides faith which has not yet become sight,
Hope which has not yet become ultimate fulfillment,
but Love is the greatest for it builds up the Body of Christ presently,
and will be eternally expressed as the character of God in the heavenly realm.
