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\u201cFor the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again\u201d (2 Corinthians 5:14,15).<\/p>\n
IN THE GOSPEL THERE IS A HEALTHY BALANCE BETWEEN SECURITY AND MOTIVATION. The central fact of the gospel is that \u201cGod so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life\u201d (John 3:16). But this information is more than merely interesting. It is motivating. \u201cThe love of Christ compels us.\u201d If Christ died for us, we must live for Him. Thus the gospel holds in balance both of the things we need: a source of rest and a sense of responsibility. \u201cHe died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since different people need different things, the gospel addresses each of us where we are. If we\u2019re worried, downtrodden, and fearful, we need to hear of God\u2019s love. But if we\u2019re lazy, irresponsible, and presumptuous, we need to hear of God\u2019s requirement that we serve Him actively. But even while we\u2019re being warned, we still need to be reminded that God is on our side. And conversely, while we\u2019re being reassured, we dare not forget that obedience is necessary. The gospel never loses sight of either rest or responsibility \u2014 and neither should we.<\/p>\n
Jesus put the emphasis wherever it was needed. He didn\u2019t hesitate to emphasize one of these more than the other if that\u2019s what His hearers needed. Depending on the audience, Jesus could say, \u201cCome to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest\u201d (Matthew 11:28), but He could also bluntly ask, \u201cWhy do you call Me \u2018Lord, Lord,\u2019 and do not do the things which I say?\u201d (Luke 6:46). This does not mean that Jesus contradicted Himself. It simply means that He knew the difference between those who needed a sedative and those who needed a stimulant. For our part, do we understand the gospel\u2019s provision for both needs? And do we have the honesty to see in which direction our own personal needs are the greatest at any given moment?<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is true that the convert has laid upon him an obligation like no obligation in all the world because he has been loved like no other love in the world; but the convert has also been given a peace like none in the world, for he knows that God loves him, not for what he is, but for what God is\u201d (William Barclay).<\/p>\n
Gary Henry \u2013 WordPoints.com + AreYouaChristian.com<\/p>\n