“This is how we have come to know love. He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers.” — 1 John 3:16
What’s Our Motivation?
We should get up on purpose every day we are on this earth. Jose Altuve is an inspiration — he was an undrafted free agent when the Astros signed him at age 16. He had to show up to an open tryout two days in a row because the coaches would not believe his age. But he was motivated to make his dream come true.
This week, I have been surrounded by the idea of love. In my personal life, readings and podcasts I listen to, love has been at the center. On top of that, my sister just got engaged and I broke 200 days until I get married. Love is a key piece of the Gospel and should motivate our lives. It should be out of pure joy that we desire to love others.
“And if I donate all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body in order to boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.” — 1 Corinthians 13:3
We can express love in many ways. We can donate to hurricane relief or sponsor a child in need; we could even give blood or go on a mission trip. But friends, if this is done out of an obligation and not out of a love that wants to reflect the same love given to us by Christ, then it is worthless.
Why? Because in the end, it is for self and we do not show love to boast or to gain, but to extend the same love that Christ showed us. I fear today that so many “evangelicals” think that doing good works or living a good life will get them into Heaven. The reason I believe we see this is not because all these people are such terrible sinners. The reason, brothers and sisters, is us.
We are not motivated by a gospel centered love for others. Jesus went and had those awkward conversations, he talked to the homeless person and he gave up his free time. I promise, if we start to be more like Him and focus on what He did for us, that motivation will change from self-centered to Christ-centered.
— Reid Carper
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