Jo Bloggs

"An average or typical person."

It was suggested, when I changed from the written Fuse magazine to this blog, that Jo Bloggs would be an apt name for the new format. I think it's a cool name but the suggestion came a tad late - structure was already in place.

 "Joe Bloggs" epitomises the average man/woman. Stats show 50% to 60% of a settled, functioning country falls into this category. 

I read 1 Cor 13 this morning. It got me wondering about what percentage of us are "loud gongs and clanging cymbals'? "Love" is both a noun and a verb.  In other words, a 'being' and a 'doing' love. To show love we need to have, and continue to experience God's love, deep and settled in our hearts.

So, are we a settled, functioning church which shows and practises God's gracious love, or a loud, clanging distraction? Paul, the writer of this chapter, suggests prophecy, knowledge and mountain moving are worthless without love. In today's vernacular that could equate to a 'smart Alec', a 'know it all', and a 'dreamer'! All three of these suggestions come from a personal, proud, puffed up place.

What does demonstrate love if it's not spectacular boasting? "It is patient, it is kind, it does not envy or boast. It is not proud, it does not dishonour others, it is not self seeking, nor easily angered. It keeps no records of wrongs, does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres. It never fails!"

Paul wasn't a typical Joe Blogg. Are we? Do we strive to please God? Are His words and ways life changing? I don't want to be a typical Jo Blogg, 50% - 60% in. I want to be one who trusts in God's promises - always: to rid my life of clanging, boasting and a lack lustre attitude to His love and people.

It's interesting to note that in the previous chapter (1 Cor 12) Paul talks about spiritual gifts for            thirty verses but finishes with,".... yet I will show you the most excellent way,"  and he starts chapter 13 by leading into, the pre-eminence of love! In other words, all show and no go leads to hot air!

FYI: Joe is a male name, Jo is female!                                                                                     Jo blogs (again!)