The vital step in the process of Following Christ

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    Have you ever tried to put together one of those "Some assembly required" and you got it all together but something was a bit off. It did not look like the picture on the box. After sometime going over the directions you realized you had missed a vital step in the process. 

    In the Christian life, we often focus on looking like a Christian. We try to change our habits, adjust our language, and show up at the right events. But there is a single characteristic that is absolutely vital; without it, everything else we do as believers is useless. That trait is Love.

    In the first century, the church in Colossae was busy making changes. They had a list of "dos and don'ts" and were working hard to be acceptable to God. 

    However, because their motive was fear and obligation rather than love, the result was pride in those who succeeded and a sense of being devalued in those who struggled. The church was starting to be divided and judgmental toward one another. 

    Paul writes to remind them—and us—that love isn't just a "nice-to-have" addition; it is the very motive that should drive our entire lives.

"But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." - Colossians 3:14–15 (NKJV)

Love: The Divine Motive

    Paul explains that love should be the lens through which we view our personal growth, our relationship with God, and our connection to the church.

1. Let Love Motivate Your Life

    Paul describes love (charity) as the "bond of perfectness"—essentially the glue that holds all other spiritual growth together.

  • You can live a life that looks perfectly pure on the outside, but if you have no love, you have missed the entire point of the Gospel.

  •  A professor at Johns Hopkins University once conducted a study on 200 boys from troubled backgrounds, concluding that 90% would likely end up in jail. 

 Twenty-five years later, the researchers found that only four of the 180 original participants found had ever gone to jail. This was not what they were expecting. When the researchers asked these men for the reason they stayed out of jail, the men point to one teacher.

They were able to track down the teacher that had changed so many lives. They asked her why do you think you had such a impact on these boys lives. Her explanation was simple, yet profound "I truly loved my students" she answered. 

  • Love is what transforms a "subject" into a changed life.

2. Let Love Motivate Your View of God

    We often make the mistake of thinking we need to "perform" to keep God on our side. That we some how must keep God happy or pleased so we are not stuck dead by a lighting bolt. Yet as you study scripture one thing is clear "GOD LOVES US"

  • Paul tells us to let the "peace of God rule" in our hearts, meaning we should let Jesus’ finished work on the cross be enough for us.

  • A farmer had a weathervane that read "God is Love." When asked if that meant God's love changed like the wind, he replied, "No, it means that no matter which way the wind blows, God is love."

  • Whether you have succeeded or failed today, God’s love for you is unconditional and proven once and for all at Calvary. Jesus died in our place, knowing all our sins. He was fully aware of all of our past, present and future, yet he choose to die in our place. Every sin you committed was fully known by him and yet he still suffered and died for you. This shows that His love is not based on your performance, but is completely and totally dependent His unconditional love for you and me.

3. Let Love Motivate Your View of the Church

    Unity in the church doesn't come from everyone following the same set of man-made rules; it comes from the peace of God.

  •  There is a picture in my office that isn't worth much money, but it is priceless to me because it belonged to my father. It is nice to look at. It is a picture that of a country side with some pheasants flying in the sky. I like that picture not because it is worth something, or because it is nice to look at. I love that picture because it reminds me of my father and his office. You see because I love my father, I value what belonged to him.

  • In the same way, every person in your church is someone loved, died for, and forgiven by God. When we remember who they belong to, it should change how we treat them. We should love them because God loves them. We should care for them because Jesus Christ cared for them by dying on the cross for thier sins. 

Moving Beyond the List

    If we forget that love is our "glue," our faith becomes a series of disconnected, heavy burdens. But when we "put on love," we stop trying to impress God and start simply responding to Him. We stop judging our brothers and sisters and start seeing them as precious possessions of our Father.

Reflect on the initial question: Is there a "fuse" missing in your faith today? Are you doing the right things, but with the wrong motive? No matter what we do in our lives, lets make sure we do everything in love. 

Location: Ashmore, IL 61912, USA

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