We know that many young people are looking for a cause that is worth living for, and James Dean was not the only teenager who was a 'Rebel without a Cause'. But we all need to explore the roots of our motivation to be the people that we are called to be.
St. Paul, in writing to his friends in Corinth, sets out a double reason for us to be motivated to be fully devoted followers of Jesus. Jesus loves us and He was willing to die for us.
'Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.' (2 Corinthians 5.14-15)
Paul points to the radical change that Jesus brings to those who take up his challenge. Motivated by his love for us, Jesus willingly laid down his life, in order that we might be thoroughly transformed - not living for self, but for Jesus.
This may look like sacrifice to the outsider. But for those who choose it, this turns out to be the route to true freedom. Set free from a self-indulgent obsession with ourselves, we discover that we are able to serve those around us, following the pattern and example of Jesus.
I find that I regularly need to review my own motivation for living. Too easily, I become bogged down in the daily business of living, and too easily lose my sense of call to be under the controlling love of Jesus. Today is a good day to reset my course, walking with Jesus.
Best wishes,
Richard
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