Compelled By What Came First!

Why do we do what we do? What is it that most motivates us? Some people feel they must do certain things to gain the approval of others. There are children (sometimes even grown ones) who feel they must do certain things in order to gain the love of their parents. How sad when the parental love for some reason is not felt, and the feeling is that it must be earned.

Sometimes we just get things wrong. There are times when we have truly put the proverbial "cart before the horse." What has God demonstrated and what is its impact on our life? John noted that "We love because HE FIRST LOVED US." ( 1 John 4:19 ESV) And Paul stated how God showed HIS LOVE for us in this: "...while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." ( Romans 5:8 ESV) Where would we be if we had to first EARN that love? The fact we are loved is a sign of the riches of God's grace toward us. However, we still must appropriately respond to accept (on His terms) what He has offered us in Christ. But, again, let us not put the "cart before the horse"!

As Paul wrote to the Ephesians regarding the grace of God, he stated. . .
"(8) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, (9) NOT A RESULT OF WORKS, so that no one may boast. (10) For we are his workmanship, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS FOR GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD PREPARED BEFOREHAND, THAT WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM." ( Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV)

Our works did not prompt God's graciousness. Nor have our works earned our salvation. However, Paul -- like James ( James 2:26) -- indicated the works are a natural expectation as a result of the salvation we have received. What we do is not to gain GOD'S LOVE or grace. That has already been extended. All we do ought to be a response to HIS LOVE as we eagerly seek to reveal how genuinely thankful we are for the salvation we have in Christ. May GOD'S LOVE AND GRACE compel us toward daily activity that is God glorifying and serves His Divine Purposes for our life.

Have a great day ACKNOWLEDGING BY LIFE HOW LOVED WE KNOW WE ARE!
Carl

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