Simply Out of Love

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.  If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.  1 Corinthians 13:1-3 

There is a project that I took on at work this year.  It focuses on helping others see their potential, and the reason I chose to take it on will not result in my getting praise or a promotion, and my passion for pursuing it is not for an expected reward at its completion.   Rather, it is the sincere hope that it makes a difference in the lives of others, and my drive comes from the love I have for my team and organization.  For that reason, the project deserves my best effort and dedication toward its success.

Our love for Christ must be the driving factor for our actions.  Many people believe in faith by works.  They believe that by doing things as written in scripture, they will receive an upper hand in Heaven.  Others take the approach of being saved by confessing of Jesus Christ as Lord by mouth, and then continue their life as if nothing has changed.  Both beliefs are flawed.  While there is some truth in both statements, neither indicates a true relationship with Christ.  I think of my wife and how wonderful she has been to me for all of these years.  My love for her grows continually, and as such, it motivates me to be a better husband to her.  In a similar way, a true love for Christ motivates us to act.  Thus, works are not a driving force toward salvation.  Instead, it is the byproduct of our growing relationship.  Furthermore, confessing Jesus Christ as Lord is something that cannot be an idle moment that just passes us by.  It is a transformative event that like any growing relationship motivates us to change making the relationship better.

To love Jesus is to commit to Him fully and unconditionally.  Jesus said, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.  My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14:23)  This is at times challenging, but all growth, spiritual and otherwise, is.  We strive toward having a wonderfully unyielding relationship with Him.  That is what love for Christ is all about.  How do you measure your love for Christ?  What more can you do to reflect His love?  My prayer is that we grow for Christ simply out of love.  Amen.