The Right Motive

 ¹⁴ For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; ¹⁵ and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

Everyone is this world is motivated by something, either virtuous or sinful. Many people are motived by money to perform a certain job or task. Some are motivated by more noble intentions such as the happiness or greater good of others. Even as parents, we try to motivate our children into striving for better grades and conduct in school by given them certain privileges or promising them a reward. Motivation is important because without this, very few things in this world would be accomplished.

Which brings me to a passage of scripture that best answers the following question: What motivates you to live the Christian life? The answer that the apostle Paul gives us is Love. He says in verse 14, “For the love of Christ controls us”. The love of Christ was the motivating factor for the ministry of the apostle Paul. He was called to take the gospel to the gentiles: a people that was oblivious to God’s laws and his Holy nature. This right motive, took him on three missionary journeys to take the gospel the ends of the world. Paul went from living for himself to becoming a servant to all, that he might win more of them. (1 Corinthians 9:19)

So, what motivates you to be a better follower of Christ and share him with others who don’t know him yet? What motivates you to be a better husband, wife, coworker, son or daughter? Let it not be any other reason than the love that Christ has for you and others. Let the Love of Christ control how you treat and serve others. Let his love control your speech, desires, thoughts, and intentions. 1 Corinthians 13:13 tells us, “Three things will last forever-faith, hope, and love- and the greatest of these is love”.