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We profess our love for God in the words we say and in the songs we sing. But does our love for God impact how we live?
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NIV) states: For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
In 2 Corinthians 5:14 we see the word “compels”. When something compels us, it drives us, it forces us, to do something. If we say we love God, that love should compel us to no longer live unto ourselves but to live for Jesus. The One who knew no sin but became sin for us.
When we accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives, we received the Holy Spirit. Among other things, the Holy Spirit was to teach us how to live lives that please God. How to have hearts that are yielded and surrendered in devotion to God. We must, however, be willing to submit to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
If you are confident that your heart’s posture is in the right place, that the fire of your devotion to God burns brightly, you probably do not need to read any further. However, if you want to do a spiritual heart check, to see the posture of your heart, reflect on the following questions:
- Do I love my possessions more than I love God? If there is even a hint that your sense of safety and security is based on the things you possess, your heart may not yet be yielded and surrendered in devotion to God.
1 John 2:15-17 (NIV) states: Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. - When you do your “works” – your good deeds – who gets the praise? If what you do is done with even the slightest motive of feeling more righteous, or to get the applause of others, be careful that your heart may not yet be yielded and surrendered in devotion to God.
Matthew 6:1 (NIV) states: Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. - Who is your heart’s priority? If your priorities are all about you and what you want, be careful that your heart may not yet be yielded and surrendered in devotion to God.
Mark 12:30 (NIV) states: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
Above all, we must be God-focused.
When we are God-focused, we follow Jesus’ example.
When we are God-focused, we prioritize God and God’s Will.
When we are God-focused, it is all about God, not us.
As believers, our love for God must impact how we live. It should compel us to involve God in all aspects of our lives. It should compel us to pursue what pleases God. It should compel us to do God’s Will. It should compel us to be more Christ-like.
2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV) states: We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
Except where indicated, scripture references are from the American Standard Version (ASV), Darby Translation (DARBY), or King James Version (KJV) – all public domains.
