One of my favorite verses in the New Testament is 1 Corinthians 5:14-15.
"...and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again."
So I would ask you the question: Are you living for yourself, or are you living for Jesus?
Let's look real quick at the differences in living for yourself or living for Jesus.
Living for yourself is motivated by selfishness.
"Almost every sinful action ever committed can be traced back to a selfish motive. It is a trait we hate in other people but justify in ourselves." - Stephen Kendrick
The selfish individual is one whose mind is constantly focused on themselves.
They do everything to bring glory to themselves, to uplift themselves, and to make themselves look better than they really are.
They won't do anything if it means going out of their way without gaining anything in return.
Their #1 priority is a personal pleasure.
Living for Jesus is motivated by love.
Agape Love - A sacrificing, self-denying, unconditional, love expressed by action that is extended to ALL and expects nothing in return.
The loving individual is one whose mind is constantly focused on the love Jesus had for the word and desires to show that in action.
They do everything to bring glory to Jesus, to serve & uplift the people God has placed around them, and to further God's kingdom.
They will always put others first, even if that means they have to make a sacrifice.
They never expect anything in return, because they realize they have all they need: Jesus' love!
I would hope today; we could all say we are living for Jesus and not ourselves! It is a daily decision we choose to live in.
Praying For You This Week!
Nathan Vainio, Jr.