What Compels Us?
“For the love of Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion, that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised.” -- 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
As a sophomore in college, playing baseball was the primary way I found value in life. However, when it turned out that I wasn’t cutting it on the baseball field, my coach told me to consider trying football.
He’d often said that “we reap what we sow” during his talks about how Jesus could impact our lives and careers. My motivation had always been self-centered. But then I faced the end of something I had depended on since childhood to get the affirmation I craved.
Later that day, I accepted Jesus as my Savior. Through Him, I found a greater purpose for life, and as God turned my heart toward pleasing Him, I found something greater to motivate me not only in life but in athletics.
Driving forces in life such as greed, fame and empty pride all lead to an empty life. We don’t always win in life, and the world seems to only love us when we are on top of our game. But God loves us even “while we (are) sinners” Romans 5:8, and “with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3)
Are the cheers of the crowd the only compelling reasons you play the game? Or is the pure, everlasting love of God going to be the wind that fills your sails?
- Is your motivation to play your sport rooted in God’s love for you and your love for Him and others?
- If not, how can you change your mindset to not play for selfish pursuits?
“Jesus, help me to find my value in You. May my motivation to play my sport be to bring glory and honor to You. Amen.”
