COMPELLED TO SERVE

2 Cor 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: (15) And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

There are many books and many aritcles on the subject of movivation. Motivation is causing something to move or putting something in motion. Large corporations spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to motivate there workers to be more productive. We are motivated by many things. Hunger motivates us to work to buy food. Desire for success motivates us to grow and to learn new skills. Wanting companionship motivates us to treat others with kindness and courtesy and causes us to practice the "Golden Rule." Fear is a great motivator. If something suddenly frightens you, it is surprising, even to you, how quickly you can move. I have seen snakes movtivate people to do some extrordinary running that they didn't think they were capable of. We should be motivated in our work for the Lord, and while fear is a great motivator, love is even a greater one. Love motivates us to make sacrifices, to do things for others at our own expense and effort. It is not just the love we have that motivates us but the love others have for us. Children try to please their parents because they know the parents love them. I have used the example many times that my wife does many wonderful things for me. She keeps the house clean, cooks my meals, washes my clothes and the list could go on forever. She does not do these things because she is afraid of me. If she were to stop doing them I would not punish her or banish her. She does things for me because she is compelled by my love for her and her love for me. When we are motivated out of love to do things for others it does not bring resentment but brings us happiness. The same is true for our relationship with Jesus. we should be compelled to serve Him because we are certain that He loves us and we know that we love Him. When we do the work He has for us and are motivated by love, it brings us great joy