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. 2 Corinthians 5:15
Meditation: Jesus died for all of mankind. He took on the sin of the whole world so that they could have eternal life. However, many reject the gift He has given. And many accept the gift but still live for themselves. They call themselves Christians but spend their lives amassing wealth, enjoying pleasure, or seeking the adulation of mankind. They do not live a life of self-denial and serve the Lord who gave them so much.
Albert Barnes, in his commentary on the New Testament, emphasizes the importance of examining whether we are living for ourselves or for Christ. He states that people are living for themselves when:
1. They seek pleasure, gain, or reputation as the controlling principle of their lives.
2. When they seek to secure the advancement of their own purposes and ends without regard for the rights of others.
3. When they turn a deaf ear to appeals to help others and have no time or money to alleviate needs, especially when they turn a deaf ear to the appeals made to spread the Gospel.
How selfish and self-centered we can be! We are to live our lives to honor God, not to build up ourselves and gain for ourselves. Mr. Barnes wrote in the 1800s, but it is a sad commentary about the church today. Living for ourselves and not for the glory of the One who gave us so much is a life wasted.
Challenge: Are you living for Christ? If God sent an auditor to examine your life, would he find evidence that you are living for Christ or for yourself? Do any of the three points above apply to you? Honestly examine your life and repent of any areas where you are living for yourself rather than Christ.
Thought for the Day: Lord, help me to live for you today. help me to deny self and serve you in all I do.
Chris Garner
Used by permission – Fortified Marriages.