Motivated by Love, Not by Lists

    

Have you ever found yourself doing something simply because you felt you had to, rather than because you wanted to? Maybe you felt like you had to laugh at a joke that was not all that funny. Or perhaps you had to attend a party that you really didn't want to go to but you felt obligated to go to keep up appearances. 

    In relationships, we usually change for one of two reasons: love or fear. Think back to the infamous moment at the Oscars when Will Smith reacted to a joke about his wife. If you don't remember Chris Rock was doing a stand up bit and happened to say something in jest about Will Smith's wife. The crowd was laughing, Will Smith was laughing everyone was laughing except Will Smiths wife. What Chris Rock said was not really off color or all that bad, but when Will Smith saw that his wife was not pleased. Will Smith went up to Chris Rock and smacked him in his face.

    People debated his motives—was it out of a fearful obligation to protect his image, or a deep love for his wife’s honor? . Whatever the case maybe, it proves a point: our "why" matters. It is not just what we do that matters but the reason behind what we do that matters.

    Many Christians today live their lives in a state of constant "have-to." They feel like they must follow certain rules and look a certain way because they are afraid of losing God's approval or being judged by others . For them, faith has become restrictive and burdensome. There why is birthed out of fear. 

    Sadly far to many Christians live there christian life from the motive of fear and not love.  But what if the changes God asks of us aren't a price we pay for His love, but a response to it?

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."- Colossians 3:1–4 (ESV)

The Anatomy of True Transformation

Paul wants us to understand that because we are already saved, we should want to change. This isn't about gaining approval; it's about reflecting the new life we've already received.

1. A Change of Priorities

Paul tells us to "seek those things which are above".

     In 1845, Sir John Franklin set sail to find the Northwest Passage with two of the most advanced ships of his day, the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror.

    The crews were meticulously prepared—but for the wrong reality. They prioritized the comforts of the voyage over the demands of the destination. The ships were packed with a 1,200-volume library, a hand-organ for entertainment, and heavy sterling silver flatware engraved with the officers' initials.

    Tragically, while they found room for ornate silver and silk handkerchiefs, they neglected their most vital necessity: their food. Most of their 8,000 tins of meat were poorly sealed with lead, slowly poisoning the men as they became trapped in the Arctic ice.

    Years later, search parties found a haunting scene: skeletons of the crew scattered across the frozen wasteland. Beside them lay the "essentials" they had tried to carry across the ice—scented soap, silk, and those heavy silver spoons. They had spent all their attention on the luxuries of the journey, leaving them utterly unprepared for the reality of the destination.

    We so often prioritize the wrong things in our lives. We live our lives focused on the needs of today failing to see the reality that there is a life after this. So many live there lives focusing on their materialistic needs that they fail to even address there various spiritual needs. We spend so much time focused on the little time we spend here on this earth and yet give so little time focusing on were we will spend eternity.

    We need a change in priorities. Because we are saved we know that there is life after this. We know that we will spend eternity with the Lord. So why is all of our attention and energy focused on our life here on this earth? When you got saved you received the promise of eternal life! That is huge! So why do we still put so much priority on things that hold little to no eternal value?

2. A Change of Purpose

    Paul reminds us that our old selves have "died" and our lives are now "hidden with Christ".

    Often, we make changes to glorify ourselves or to look "spiritual" in front of other Christians . When Christ becomes our life, our purpose should shifts from "What makes me look good?" to "What brings Him glory?" . We start living so that others see Christ in us rather than just seeing our rule-following. 

    We need to change our why we do what we do. We read our bible not because that is what is expected of us, but because we truly desire to draw closer to the Savior who saved us. We go to church not to be seen but instead to worship the one who gave us eternal life. We live holy lives not because we want people to think we are good people, but because we have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. We realize that the salvation we received we received at a great cost. 

    If we do anything for the Lord then it needs to be out of a desire to honor Him and His sacrifice for our sins. You got saved not because you were worthy of it, or some how could earn it. You got saved out of God's great love, mercy and grace that he poured out on you. This is reason enough to stop making life all about you and live your life with a greater purpose. To live your life for Jesus because He died for you! 

3. A Change of Power

Perhaps the most important change is moving from our own strength to God’s power.

    We often fail because we try to "white-knuckle" our way into being better people through sheer willpower.

    Life-changing transformation happens through obedience and resting in God's strength. I heard someone say once about the work that God has done in their life "It's not I changed myself," but "If God can change me, He can change you". Any change in us must come from the power of God in us.

    When you got saved you did not just receive the promise of eternal life, but you received a new life! God begins to do a work in your heart changing you and transforming you. The success of a Christian life is not in your will power, but God's power in you. Transformation is not brought about by self determination, but by simply submission and obedience to God's work in you. Stop relying on your ability and simply rest in the power of God. 

Living Out the Love

    Christianity was never meant to be an unattainable list of "dos and don'ts." It was designed to be freeing, joyful, and empowering . When we realize that we are already approved of in Christ, the burden of "performing" drops away. We change our priorities, our purpose, and our source of power not because we are afraid, but because we are loved.

    Why are you making changes in your life today? Are you trying to "gain" something from God, or are you responding to what He has already given you?