Living for God

For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. –2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Control may not seem like a good word. Afterall, we desire freedom, which is a God-given desire.  But look at what we’re controlled by: Christ’s love. That’s ultimate love. That’s true love. That is one thing that is good to be controlled by. Controlled by selfish ambitions, controlled by others, controlled by conditional love. Meh, those aren’t very good things to be controlled by. But, Christ’s love! So deep, so unconditional, so much more than we can express.

So, Christ’s love controls us, or compels us, to live for Him because He gives us true, abundant life (John 10:10). Life with purpose. And, really, having that life can only result in one reaction – to live FOR the one who gives us life and to bring Him glory – because it’s the only thing that satisfies.