“For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” (2 Corinthians 5:14,15, NKJV)
Motivation … a good word for so many reasons! Each of us is motivated (hopefully) every day in some way or fashion. What motivates us to get up in the morning? The answers would probably vary among as many as are asked.
There is one motivation that outshines all the others in life if you have laid hold of it and taken it into your heart with the intent to live by it every day forward.
The answer is found in the life and total commitment to Jesus Christ! The word “compels” is also translated as “constrains” in other translations. The principle is found in the definition itself, ‘to compel, to control, to cause to act, properly means, to hold together, to press together, to shut up; then to press on, urge, impel, or excite.’
The meaning of this word in 2 Corinthians 5:14 is that the impelling, or exciting motive in the labors and self-denials of Paul, was to be found in the love of Christ.
So, does this motivational thought describe how you feel about being a “child of God, citizen in the Kingdom, a member of the household of God?”
Our love for Christ is to be kindled daily, growing stronger with the knowledge and assurance of “walking in the light” of God’s will … serving Him with all “… of my heart, soul, strength, and mind” … and “loving my neighbor as myself “… every day! God’s people are to be the happiest people on the face of the earth! Why? Because we have come to know the Savior of mankind and made the deliberate choice to “deny self and take up our cross and follow Him.” (Matthew 16:24)
The apostle Paul would mention numerous times in the various inspired letters he penned to “grow in the grace of the Lord” … along with the apostle Peter who would include the “knowledge of the Lord.”
This is to be the absolutely supreme motivation for living and serving our Lord and King!
We embrace the salvation He offers, in wonder and awe at His grace and we choose daily to bow in humility and gratitude for His grace, mercy, and love and acknowledge Him rather than serving the “god of this world.”
Paul summarizes the shift that occurs in a true believer in Jesus when he says: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Aren’t you thankful that Jesus can and hopefully has transformed your life … giving you a whole new purpose to live and die. Life from His perspective is so much better than from the world’s perspective. The apostle’s life was never the same after he met Jesus on the road to Damascus and followed with hearing and obeying the truth that comes from God alone!
What a change He has made available to us! What a reason to go on and live today.
Bill Fairchild, Jr.
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