When we speak of a “driving force”, we are noting the impetus or power or energy behind something that is in motion. It is force which stimulates or motivates toward a particular goal. What is the “driving force” behind our life?
Someone has said, “Understanding that Christ lives in us and that His love is the driving force behind our new life is transformative.” (original source unknown)
Writing to Christians at Ephesus, after urging them to not lose heart over the things he was suffering (Ephesians 3:13), Paul went on to state. . .
“(14) For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, (15) from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, (16) that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, (17) so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith — that you, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, (19) and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:14-19 ESV)
To acknowledge Christ living within us to the end that we be filled with all the fullness of God, does that not speak to transformation from the inside out? For our life to have become His home (i.e. John 14:23), how can we think of living merely for ourselves? Self must be kept out of the way so that we may truly present our bodies — through the manner in which we live — as a living sacrifice to Him. (note Romans 12:1) Our life is to be given over to Him to be lived for Him.
Paul expressed this well in noting the surrender of his own life in stating. . .
“(20) 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 ESV)
There is the picture of a life united in oneness in Christ, where Christ has been given His rightful place. Are we allowing the love of Christ to control us (2 Corinthians 5:14) so as to no longer live for ourselves but for the One Who gave His life for us? May we continue surrendering more and more so that His marvelous transformative work will continue in our life!
Have a great day CONTROLLED BY THE LOVE OF CHRIST!
Carl
Leave a Reply