Eagerly pursue and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]; and earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual endowments (gifts), especially that you may prophesy (interpret the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching). 1 Corinthians 14:1 (AMP)
When Holy Spirit works through you, it is an amazing feeling. You know you did nothing to deserve the privilege. You are simply a vessel.
The most common definitions of the word ‘vessel’ depict an empty container used for transportation. What a powerful definition! We are hollow vessels that contain Holy Spirit, transporting His love, peace and power to where it is needed.
Vessels don’t earn their contents. We cannot earn the privilege of being used by Holy Spirit, but we can prepare ourselves to be His vessel. One way to prepare is by getting our motives right.
1 Corinthians 14:1 tells us how to keep our motives right: pursue love first, and then earnestly desire spiritual gifts, signs and wonders. When you pursue love first, you act out of love. You pray for miracles not to somehow draw attention to yourself, but out of genuine concern for people. Your servant’s heart isn’t concerned with position and acknowledgements. You really love people.
Getting your eyes off yourself helps you step into the miracle zone. When you pray for someone, think: ‘God, I want you to meet their need because I love them. If it isn’t through me, that’s fine.’ By keeping your heart humble and full of love, you remove any barriers that block God’s presence and love from flowing through you to those who need it.