I Corinthians 13 – Love Is Not Proud

Ron continues his love series from I Corinthians 13 with a post entitled, “Love Is Not Proud.” Here, a wealthy businessman is put on the spot because of his pride. In this series, Ron breaks down I Corinthians 13:4-7 into easily understood segments by using a selection of “love” themed short stories.

A Shareholder’s Meeting

The shareholders applauded as the board chair, Paul Arnold, stepped back from the rostrum. His last words still rang in their ears: “This corporation is strong. This corporation is great. This corporation has a bright future. All because we serve the public with excellent products, and they buy those products because they know they are excellent. Would it be too much to say that this mutually beneficial relationship is based on anything less than love?”

Empire Building

The applause continued as Mr. Arnold stepped into the wings where Marlene, his personal assistant, handed him a small bottle of Perrier with one hand and put her phone back into her purse with the other.

“Brilliant, sir,” she said. “You had them in the palm of your hand.”
“Just where they should be,” he said. “Just where they should be.”

As they walked to the corridor leading to the lobby, Marlene said “Mr. Steinbach just called and wants to meet with you. What should I tell him?”
“Tell him to go away. We don’t need him.”
“You really want me to tell him that?”
“No, just get rid of him. He is a source of irritation to me. He doesn’t get what I’m trying to do here.”
“Okay, Mr. Arnold. I’ll try to put him off, but I don’t think he’s going away.”
“Do your best, Marlene. Do your best. We don’t need small-minded people with lofty values trying to hijack what were doing here. We’re not merely selling widgets. We are building an empire. Eventually, we will control the widget market. If a few people with their misguided principles have to be expended along the way, we’ll do that.”

Confident And Successful

As they finished their conversation, they arrived in the lobby of the convention centre where the shareholders were streaming through the doors. The next 40 minutes was the melee of handshaking, backslapping, and grandstanding. Paul Arnold was in his element. This was what he lived for.

He was smart, and he knew they knew he was smart. He had connections, and he knew they knew he had connections. He had influence, and he knew they knew he had influence. He had a personal agenda, and he knew they did not know he had that.

Paul’s lips were turned up in a perpetual smile — a habit he had picked up years before. If people think you are happy, they think you’re confident and successful. People tend to not challenge confidence and success. Let them think what they will.
The crowd thinned and Paul told Marlene to have the car brought around. She did, and as soon as they were in the vehicle, he began making phone calls. With him occupied, Marlene took out her own phone and called Mr. Steinbach.

“Sir, Mr. Arnold won’t be able to see you in the immediate future. We’re still in the limo driving back to the office and he’s very busy with meetings this afternoon and for the next few days. Perhaps if you call in a couple of weeks we can make an appointment.”
Success! Mr. Steinbach had been dealt with.

Love Is Not Proud

They got out of the limo in the underground parking area and took the elevator to the 14th floor. As they stepped out of the elevator, a tall man in a crumpled brown suit stood waiting for them. “Dave Steinbach,” cried Paul, “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Not only did you not expect to see me here, you didn’t want to see me here.” The man paused briefly for effect. “I was at the shareholders meeting. I heard what you said. It was a very fine speech, sir, but you misrepresented yourself.”

Paul was already walking past the man. “Steinbach, I don’t have time for you. Your brother might have started this business, but I’m in charge now.”
Paul and his entourage continued striding down the corridor, with Mr. Steinbach a few paces behind. He followed them until they reached the boardroom, because he had not quite finished what he had to say.
“Paul Arnold you talk about love, but you don’t know much about it, because love is not proud. Love is not proud, Paul.”

What have you learned from this story? We would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.

Read Part 1 here