What Are You Living For?

“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. Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-17

You volunteer to help a family who recently joined your church to move into their new home. You’re willing to do anything - unload boxes, move furniture, clean floors. You want to make sure they feel loved and welcomed. You also know that they work for a company that you would like to work for, and making friends with them wouldn’t hurt your chances for a job. Are you sure of your motives?

In writing to the church at Corinth, Paul is very concerned about their heart attitude. He reminds them the sole purpose they should have in every deed and thought is to give glory to Christ. “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” (verse 15). Your life should be Christ-centered, not self-centered.

Self-centeredness can be subtle and difficult to detect and true intentions hard to determine. Before you make a decision or take on a task, ask yourself if the action brings honor to Christ. Will you further His name or advance your own? Are you pointing someone to the Savior? Ask the Lord to reveal your true purposes and make every word and deed a reflection of His unselfish love. This sifting cultivates a genuine heart for God, and isn’t that what you want?

“...man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7