We can't afford to let arguments over our own interests reflect poorly on the credibility of our Lord. We've all heard it said that people won't care much about what we know until they see how much we care. Others are not likely to find our beliefs credible unless they see that we are as concerned about them as we are about ourselves. Doctrinal purity becomes pharisaical. Personal commitment becomes self-righteous.
Worship becomes routine and mindless.
Bible study becomes proud intellectualism. Service to others becomes tiring obligation. People In Need Of Spiritual Renewal. If the truths of 1 Corinthians 13 show us our spiritual poverty, it is so that we can be rich in concern for those around us. If Paul's words show us how full we are of ourselves, it is so that the Lord can empty us of that which is ruining us.