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)
If we want to be wise in winning
souls and to be vessels meet for the Master’s use, we must get rid of the
accursed spirit of self-seeking. That is the meaning of this chapter in Paul’s
letter. He told the Corinthians that a man might be full of faith and zeal, he
might be very benevolent, but if he had not love he was like sounding brass and
a tinkling cymbal.
I believe many men might as well
go into the pulpit and blow a tin horn Sabbath after Sabbath as go on preaching
without love. A man may preach the truth; he may be perfectly sound in
doctrine; but if there is no love in his heart going out to those whom he
addresses, and if he is doing it professionally, the apostle says he is only a
sounding brass.
