INTERSECT | What's Your Motivation? | 2 Corinthians 5:11-15
The first “motivational speaker” I remember was during high school football, when a former coach from the golden days of the program delivered the pregame speech. I don’t remember whether we won or lost, and I only remember a couple of things about his speech. The first words out of his mouth were, “I’m a Tiger!” Those words came right after he stubbed out his cheap cigarette on the locker room floor.
That’s all I remember. The speech wasn’t very motivating and, honestly, a bit embarrassing.
None of us have motivational speakers who show up at our homes each morning when the alarm clock goes off. (Aren’t you glad?!) Most days, we simply get up and start the rou-tine without thinking deeply about our motivation for living and working. But every person has underlying motivations for what they do — an inner drive, a sense of purpose, the fuel for your actions and choices.
In 2 Corinthians 5:11-15, the Apostle Paul shared his own motivations for ministry and life, along with a corresponding action.
Motivation 1: The Fear of the Lord Leads to Persuasion
“Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (verse 11). The Bible tells us the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). For the Christian, this fear reflects a sobering respect for God. In verse 10, Paul reminded his readers we all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, leading to his statement about the fear of the Lord in verse 11. Judgment is a sobering reality. And considering that fact, Paul says we make it our aim to persuade others to become Christians.
What is involved in persuasion?
Truth. We should never try to “pull the wool over anyone’s eyes” but set forth the truth of God’s Word plainly. We aren’t trying to persuade people with an opinion but with the unchanging Word of God.
Kindness and love. Our truth-telling must be accompanied by kindness and love. Without love, we are like clanging cymbals (1 Corinthians 13:1). Without love, we are in danger of sounding like the angry political rhetoric of the day. But kindness goes a long way toward winning people over.
Relationship. We are more likely to be persuaded by someone we know and trust than a stranger.
The Holy Spirit. He persuades others through us, convicting them of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11) and drawing all men to Himself (John 12:32).
Your personal conversion testimony plays an important part in this. In these verses, Paul made it clear these Christians at Corinth knew him through and through; he had nothing to hide. He had shared his story, the whole story.
Restaurants offer online menus for potential customers to see. But the enthusiastic recommendation of a trusted friend is far more likely to bring in customers. We often describe this as “word of mouth.” And the same is true for us as we persuade people to follow Christ.
Motivation 2: The Love of Christ Leads to Conviction
I once heard Warren Wiersbe say, “An opinion is something you hold, but a conviction is something that holds you.” In our text, Paul shared his conclusion that because Christ died for us, our only proper response is to live for Him.
The love of Christ “constrains” us, that is, Christ’s love puts pressure on us — in a good way — compelling us to respond with love for Him. This word also can be translated “to hold together.” The love of Christ can hold you together when everything falls apart. Paul made this assertion about the love of Christ, based on the demonstration of His love at the cross: “him which died for them, and rose again” (verse 15). This captures the essence of the atonement. Jesus loved us when we didn’t love Him in return (Romans 5:8), and He died for all, even those who never would accept His sacrifice.
With the love of Christ on full display, Paul drew the conclusion the rest of his earthly life should be spent living for Jesus. The same should be true for us. What’s your motivation for living? Why do you do the things you do?
We hear this reflected in the lyrics of many great hymns written to express the personal nature of the sacrifice Jesus made and our response to His love. Consider these examples:
Bearing shame and scoffing rude, in my place condemned He stood, sealed my pardon with His blood: Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.
Jesus paid it all; all to Him I owe.
Because we know the fear of the Lord and experience the love of Christ, we respond by persuading others and living faithfully for Him. Keep in mind, the motivations of fear and love aren’t incompatible. Both are present throughout the Bible in perfect balance.
What is your motivation for Christian living? If you find yourself at a low point in terms of your motivation to follow Christ, allow your heart to return to these two places: 1) to the judgment seat of Christ, where we will all stand some-day, and 2) to Calvary. Seeing Christ’s great love displayed, seeing His love for the world and for you personally, you will renew your decision to give your life over to Him.
During high school, I watched a friend in my home church struggle during every invitation at the end of the service. Though he had been coming to church for ten years, he remained unsaved. During the invitation, he would grip the pew, white-knuckled, with clear conviction etched on his face as God dealt with his heart. Thankfully, he eventually accepted Christ and continues to live for Him today.
Have you ever reached that place in your life? The place where you realize the great price paid for you by Jesus and determine, “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all”? If not, why not accept Him today?
About the Columnist: Dr. Barry Raper pastors Bethel FWB Church near Ashland City, Tennessee, and teaches ministry at Welch College.
