His Compelling Love

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A thought came crashing in on me this morning and I was reminded of a truth found in scripture that I sometimes forget. It's easy to slip into a self-centered mode of thinking and there are times when I spiral into a "poor me" attitude about many things in my life, including ministry. And there have been days when I really want to quit.

The following verses have resounded within me lately.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 ~

"For Christ's love compels us, since we have reached this conclusion: If One died for all, then all died. And He died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the One who died for them and was raised.

The reality is that my life is not about me. It's about Christ. As I get up each day everything that I do and every decision I make should have that truth in mind. 

Dan and I both received a definite call upon our lives to full-time ministry. It wasn't a whim and it wasn't our own desire; it was a calling that God has confirmed many times over. We have seen the Lord answer direct prayers that can't be explained away by our finite brains.

‣His love compels us to go visit someone in the hospital when we'd rather stay in our nice warm house.

‣His love compels us to give of our time and resources to minister to a small group of people week after week.

‣His love compels us to remain faithful even when we feel like giving up.

‣His love compels us to follow Him wherever He leads even if that were to mean going to a different country and into a dangerous situation.

‣His love compels us to get up day after day and do the work He has given to us for that day.

‣His love compels us because of the sacrifice He made. 

‣His love compels us because we want to walk in obedience in the calling He has put on our lives.

That crashing truth causes me to sit up and take notice. My life is not about me. It's about bringing glory to His name in all that I do. 

And His love should compel all of us to change the way we live, regardless of whether you are in full-time ministry or not. If we say we are a follower of Jesus Christ than we no longer live for ourselves, but for Christ.

I am thankful for that reminder on this Monday morning. 

Comments

  1. AngelaFebruary 24, 2025 at 6:26 AM

    Thank you Terri, for passing on the reminder. Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily and follow him, and to serve him.is indeed, perfect freedom. I'm sure you know the old hymn

    ReplyDelete
  2. AngelaFebruary 24, 2025 at 6:26 AM

    ...For me to live is Christmas, to die is gain

    ReplyDelete

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