Bible Reading : 1 Corinthians 14:1–25
Verse of Reflection : 1 Corinthians 14:12
"Likewise with you: you are indeed trying to obtain the gifts of the Spirit, but more than that you should try to use them to build the Church."
The heart is not just the centre of emotions, but a source of motivation that determines the direction of a person's life. Everything in life always starts from the heart. The beginning of the year, the beginning of the month, the beginning of the week, even the beginning of every decision, all require the correct readiness of the heart. Without a true heart, even actions that seem spiritual can lose meaning and direction. Therefore, the Bible emphasises that a rich life does not start from what is done, but from a heart that is properly managed before God.
The true heart always starts from within. Apostle Paul advised the Corinthians to pursue love and seek the gifts of the Spirit with pure motivation. The main problem of the Corinthians is not the lack of spiritual gifts, but the failure to control the heart. The gift that should build the congregation is actually used to raise oneself. Paul emphasised that tongues that only build themselves up do not bring benefits to the body of Christ. On the contrary, prophecies that are understood and accepted by the congregation build, advise, and entertain many people. An abundant life always starts from controlling the heart inward, because a controlled heart is the controller of divine blessings.
In addition to not being self-oriented, a true heart also looks at self-actualisation appropriately. Paul did not reject tongues, but put them in the correct framework. Self-actualisation is not a spiritual show, but a growth process to become an effective tool for God. A true heart understands that potential and gifts are given not to stand out, but to serve and build the congregation. True self-actualisation occurs when a person uses all his capacity to glorify God and bring spiritual growth to others.
A true heart does not stop at inner control, but must flow out. Paul emphasised that the main purpose of the gift of the Spirit is to build the congregation. If worship, prayer, or thanksgiving cannot be understood and does not build others, then its spiritual value becomes limited. A true heart always considers the impact on others. Believers are called to use their spiritual life as a channel of blessing, not just personal experience.
Furthermore, Paul warns that faith and spirituality that are only centred on oneself will be misunderstood by outsiders. When Christians only pursue spiritual expression without paying attention to others, they can be considered immature or even insane. On the contrary, when gifts are used with love and regularity, those who do not yet believe will be convinced, their hearts will be touched, and finally glorify God. Thus, a true heart not only builds the congregation, but also becomes a real witness for the world.
A true heart is not measured by how spiritually a person is seen, but by how much his life becomes a blessing for others. Reading God's word helps to form a heart that is in harmony with God's will. Prayer and worship sharpen sensitivity to the needs of others. Fasting trains self-control so that the motivation of the heart remains pure. A true heart is not a heart that is busy thinking about itself, but a heart that is controlled to glorify God and build many people.
A true heart always grows inward through self-control before God, then flows outward through a life that builds the congregation and glorifies God. – Agnes Patricia Melani Trinosa, S.Pd.