Live for Christ

A post on some Scripture reading thoughts I had back in November. :)

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 

(2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 

(Galatians 2:20)

We continue to live day by day by faith in Christ because Someone loved us enough to die for us. And if He loved us enough to die for us, then surely we can love Him by living for Him. Not in "payment" back to Jesus, because we could never repay that, but because living by faith demonstrates the love of Christ and our love for Him. It brings Him glory. That's why we live: to glorify God and show His love to others.

But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus. 

(Philippians 1:24-26a)

We love Him because He first loved us. That love grips us and constraints us to follow His path, not by rules and regulations, but because we realize how awesome and how compassionate He is. Our old nature died with Him on that cross, and we were raised with Him in Spirit when He was resurrected. Let us not serve the sin, the world, and the flesh that haunts us still. Rather let us live in the strength of the Lord seeking what is above, not what is on earth. 

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)

There is a glory that awaits us even today. A glory that was fortold by the prophets, spoken by angels, preached by man, and predestined by God. That glory came in flesh and dwelt among us. We beheld that glory. The glory of the one and only Son of God, full of grace and truth. 

For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness, 'has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ...For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh....So we do not lose heart....For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen, For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

(2 Corinthians 4:6, 11, 16a, 18)

Live to demonstrate that glory to others. Live for Christ.