Living for Christ Versus Living for Self
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
Many non-believers think that living for Christ means their life is no more pleasing self. This is one of Satan’s favorite lies because he knows the most fulfilling life is living for Christ. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33) When we live for Christ, his divine power enables us to provide for our needs.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) If we serve the Lord by following the Spirit with a heart of love, then everything that happens to us God will use for our good and his glory. People who don’t know the Lord or those who don’t live according to his purpose, this verse doesn’t apply.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10) Christ gives life to the full and life to the full is knowing Christ. We can have all the riches in world but it means nothing compared to knowing Christ. This will be fully realized when we step into Heaven to be with the Father and the Son. But, this brief, earthly life is only fulfilling when we live in for Christ.
The ultimate life is a close, loving relationship with Christ and the motivation to know Him every day. We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. (1 John 2:3) We serve the Lord as he guides us through the Spirit and he fills our hearts with his love. It’s his love in our hearts that drives us to minister to lost souls and it’s his love in our hearts that brings us forever closer to the Lord. God is love and love is what enables us to understand Him, and to understand His Word.
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7) Loving others and ministering to others is the answer to loving God, understanding God, depending on God, and having a close relationship with God. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:2) I can all have knowledge of the Word, do fantastic work for the Lord, but if my life is not eventually motivated by love — I am nothing.
Live for Christ or live for self? For the ultimate life and for eternal life, live for Christ. Don’t let Satan blind you to worldly treasures because the Spiritual treasures from the Lord are better that all the treasures in the world. I spent 59 years chasing the gold at the end of the rainbow, then I found the gold — God’s love in my heart.
Today, seek to be closer to the Lord by serving him guided by the Spirit. Read the Word everyday and pray without ceasing.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for the greatest gift in the world, your Son who died on the cross for my sins. Help me to surrender everyday as I struggle to live totally for Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen