The Cross: The Believer’s Motivation in Living the Crucified Life

(April Message in the Grapevine)

Paul was single-minded in the message he preached.  The cross was not only his primary subject; it was also his motivation for living.  When we begin to understand all that Jesus did for us at Calvary, we, too, can receive fresh motivation to live for Him.  For instance, we can . . .

Walk humbly before God.  Since the power to live the Christian life is supplied by Christ, there is no room for pride.  When Jesus died, our “flesh” nature was crucified with Him so that we could live in newness of life.  Any success we achieve in living righteously or walking in obedience is possible only because He is working through us.

Serve the Lord faithfully.  At the cross, we were placed “in Christ,” and He is in us (Gal. 2:20).  We are now His body on earth, created for good works which God has prepared for us to do (Eph. 2:10).  Jesus wasn’t crucified so we could sit in pews each Sunday and listen to sermons.  He has specific tasks for each of us to achieve during our lifetime.

Share our faith.  Knowing all that Jesus accomplished at the cross should motivate us to share the gospel with others.  This world is filled with hurting people who know nothing about salvation.  Since their eternal destiny is at stake, how can we keep our mouths closed?

Too often we view the cross only as a past event that secured our eternal destiny, and we fail to see how it can and should motivate daily choices and activities.  Stop to contemplate all that God is continually accomplishing in you through the cross.  Let it be your motivation to live wholeheartedly for Christ.                                                                           A Daily Devotional

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

HAPPY EASTER — CHRIST IS RISEN!