Who are we living for?

“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 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.” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

The immediate context is Paul’s statement to the basic effect of, “Guys, if I’m out of my mind, it’s for God. If I’m acting sane, it’s for your sake.” Christ’s love motivates us to live for something greater than ourselves and consider others’ needs, remembering Christ died for them, too. But we live ultimately for Christ. Let’s keep things in eternal perspective today and seek the love of Christ at work in our hearts today.

Lord, forgive us for our attachments to earthly things that the moth eats and rust destroys. Strengthen us to lay up our treasures in Heaven. I pray we would no longer live for ourselves and our own desires, but for you and your kingdom. Show us what course of action will bring you the most glory, and the most benefit to your whole people, the church, today. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.