Motivation that Magnifies the Master
“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (KJV, emphasis mine)
Have you ever heard someone say, “I have to get motivated?” What does it mean to be motivated and why is it a good thing? When we take the role of motivator in someone’s life we are basically providing a cause or reason to take action.
I remember being motivated by my football coach as a 13 year-old. The wise, old coach used the magic of McDonald’s to get the best out of his players. At the time, McDonald’s had a catchy commercial that captured our consciences for decades. Its slogan was “You deserve a break today so get up and get on your way to McDonald’s!”
One practice, my coach huddled with his team and shared that for every victory that we got on the gridiron, he would take us all to Micky D’s after the game. Now mind you, when I was a kid, the McDonald’s burger, fries and coke was not only the best bargain in town (25 cents for a burger, 15 cents for fries and 15 cents for a coke) but they were the best burgers around. So, for a team of fifteen kids, my coach was spending about $8.25 to provide us with some serious motivation. After his statement, we had a cause and were incited to take action. We did not lose a game until the championship! Losing the championship was a bitter taste in our mouths but our parents still took us to McDonald’s. I still remember the fact that chewing and swallowing my McDonald’s burger, coke and golden French fries helped us all swallow losing the game!
Now I will transition from Old School story to truth that never gets old; the word of God.
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Isaiah 40:8 (KJV)
“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:25 (KJV)
In our opening passage, Paul reveals to us the reason and the reality of real relationship and service to our Master the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His spirit-filled heart poured out the power behind his purpose in life. It was the love of Christ that powerfully pressed and pushed Paul to ministry for his Master. With wonder we wrap our minds and hearts around an unparalleled event in human history that absolutely encompasses our Everlasting God’s deep love for us.
“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8
When the world looks at a dying Jesus on the cross they rail and say “Biggest Loser!” When we His children look at a dying Jesus on the cross we rejoice and shout “Biggest lover ever!” It is this love that motivates our service to the King!
Join me again next week as we further discuss motivation that magnifies the Master.
For the Glory of God,
PBKSR