Why You Doin This?
Compelling (def) - not able to be refuted; inspiring conviction. Paul writes to the church at Corinth about his motivation to do what he does. 2 Corinthians 5:14 (NIV) For Christ’s love compels us because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.15 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. Paul lays it all out when he says that it is Christ's love that compels him to serve in the way he does. In 2 Corinthians 11 Paul says I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.24 Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes minus one.25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea,26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
So when Paul says he is "compelled" by the love of God to serve Jesus with all His heart, he is really speaking truth from experience. Paul has the true meaning of conviction living in His soul and the effect of the love of Christ in his life "compels" him to do whatever is needed to serve his Savior and Lord. JESUS IS OUR WHY!! You may say "Just Jesus?", to which I say "Yes, just Jesus!" The above scripture in 2 Corinthians 5 gives the "why" of who we are and what we do for Jesus. For those who don't understand, it is a strange thing to give this as our why, but that is it....Jesus!
We don't live to ourselves when we commit our lives to Christ. Verse 15 of the above verses say it this way 15 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. Let Jesus be your "why" and His love will continue to compel you to carry the message of hope to a lost and dying world and your life will have a significant impact on all who come in contact with you. Oh, you thought Covid was contagious? When you begin to know why you do what you do that will open the power of the Holy Spirit to use you for God's glory and it is very, very contagious.
The Pilgrimage Continues...
David Warren