DAD'S RAMBLINGS – LIVING FOR JESUS
"For the love of God compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no long for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again." (II Corinthians 5:14-15)
Who or what do we live for? Some people live to eat. Some people live to have fun. Some people live to learn new things. Some people live to work. Some people live to be successful. Some people live for their families. Whatever my heart is centered on is what I live for.
The Apostle Paul had one thing he lived for – the Lord Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. His love for Jesus overshadowed everything else in his life. His testimony is found in verse 9: "Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him." That is what he lived for, to please Jesus. Jesus Himself set the example, as it is recorded in John 8:29: " 'The Father has not left me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.' "
Paul did not live to please himself. He did not live to build his own personal kingdom and have a lot of people follow him so he could live the easy life. Indeed, he lived his life in suffering beatings and all kinds of bad things in order to please Christ.
When I think about how Jesuse died on the cross for my salvation, His love for me and my love for Him constrains me. If my goal is to please Jesus, it might cost me something, just as His love for me cost Him everything. But that is the only thing of eternal value.
This song says it well: "Living for Jesus, a life that is true. Striving to please Him in all that I do; Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free, this is the pathway of blessing for me. Living for Jesus Who died in my place, bearing on Calv'ry my sin and disgrace; Such love constrains me to answer His call, follow His leading and give Him my all. Living for Jesus, wherever I am, doing each duty in His holy Name; willing to suffer affliction and loss, deeming each trial a part of my cross. Living for Jesus through earth's little while, my dearest treasure, the light of His smile; seeking the lost ones He died to redeem, bringing the weary to find rest in Him. O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee, for Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me; I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne; My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone."
Love, Dad
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