Readings for today: 2 Corinthians 5-6, Psalms 1
Years ago, I read a great book called, “Drive.” The subject was motivation. What “drives” a person? Is it external motivation like money or affirmation or achievement? Is it internal motivation like values and passion? The evidence is clear that internally motivated people will outperform externally motivated people over time. It’s not even close. And the author, Daniel Pink, offers a set of easily implemented conditions that foster an environment that leads to the development of internally motivated people. The weakness of the book is that it’s based entirely on human effort. It’s a secular prescription for a secular person living in a secular world. And while Christians can learn from what Pink has to write, we have access to far more resources through the Holy Spirit. And this is what the Apostle Paul is talking about in our reading for today.
“For the love of Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion, that one died for all, and therefore 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. From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective.” (2 Corinthians 5:14-16 CSB)
As Christian believers, we are compelled by the love of Christ. The love of Christ the primary motivation of our lives. It drives all we think, say, and do. And the only way to access this love is through the Holy Spirit who Paul says is a “down payment” given to us by God as the guarantee of eternal life. The love of Christ is what compelled Jesus to lay down His life for the world. It’s what “drove” Jesus to the cross where He made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of all. Those who claim to follow Jesus are now primarily “driven” not to live for themselves but to live for Christ and for others. We refuse to see people and treat people from a worldly perspective but instead apply Christ as a filter in every relationship. And this changes things. Changes how we react and respond to those around us. Changes how we treat those with whom we are at odds. Changes even those we might once have considered enemies.
Imagine what might happen if the love of Christ became the primary “driver” of your life? What would that look like for you? How would it change your friendships? Your marriage? Your parenting? Your work? Your school? Your interactions in the community? How might it shape how you live? How you spend your time, energy, and resources? What does it look like to live - not for self - but for Christ and for others?
Readings for tomorrow: 2 Corinthians 7-8, Psalms 2