"If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love." (I Corinthians 13:3) The Message

I'm always looking for ways to prove how good of a Christian I am to God. Sounds silly that I would try and prove anything to God, considering He knows what's really going on in my heart. But, I still put together a list of things to do that I think He would be proud of. I get busy. I become task oriented, and I become burdened when I see how needy and broken the people of this world are. I want to get busy changing things for good.

The problem is; busy isn't always good. Sure, I could plan an event to feed the homeless. I could give half my money to children in poverty. I could even volunteer to build houses and schools. But here's the thing; God doesn't need my money, my volunteer hours or my good deeds. God doesn't desire a busy employee who works out of duty, no matter how noble the task. He wants a child that will live in His love and then loves others. I'm learning that it's far easier to work than to love. Generally whatever is hard to achieve or attain is the most valuable. I'm learning that love is the most valuable commodity we can ever practice or receive.

It's time I re-evaluate and examined my motivations for what I'm doing. I don't think I should stop my efforts to bring change to this world, but I need to make sure I'm doing all things with love. Without love I will be forgotten and only my deeds will remain, with love I will be remembered for the lives that God changed.

I like how Paul is bold in the book of Corinthians; "I'm bankrupt without love". You and I would be nothing if not for the love of God our father, who sent His son Jesus Christ to pour out his life as a sacrifice of love. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13) His love for me is what truly motivates me to bring change to others. But, do we know what it really looks like to love? Are we living in and through love right now?

This Christmas is a perfect time to meditate on the love of Christ. It is also a season full of opportunity to change others through love. See if you can put a few of these characteristics of love below to practice in your life right now.

"Love never gives up.
    Love cares more for others than for self.
    Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
    Love doesn't strut,
    Doesn't have a swelled head,
    Doesn't force itself on others,
    Isn't always "me first,"
    Doesn't fly off the handle,
    Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
    Doesn't revel when others grovel,
    Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
    Puts up with anything,
    Trusts God always,
    Always looks for the best,
    Never looks back,
    But keeps going to the end. " (I Corinthians 13:4-7) The Message

If your going to get busy doing anything this Christmas, get busy loving.

- Josh