02/04/2025
Who do we live for? Who have we chosen above ourselves? These are the questions we will contemplate this morning. I am thinking about the spiritual aspect of these questions, but also upon the impact that our life choices have on who, or what, we value as well. In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote these words...
“For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 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.”
2 Corinthians 5:13-15 KJV
There are so many things that distract us from our faith and quite often they prevent us from realizing the fullness of that faith, and in their most destructive form, they keep us from giving God complete and unchallenged dominion over our lives. But don’t be afraid because in Jesus Christ there are many other things that are singularly strong enough to change who we are, who we live for, who we would die for, and who ultimately who rules our lives.
It is not by mistake that Paul uses the example of sobriety to make his point; this is a double message. First, he is saying that serving God is akin to being intoxicated by faith... we would do anything and everything for that next drink of the Holy Spirit... we have abandoned what our earth-bound selves would chose and have placed God above all else.
The second half of this metaphor is that drunkenness and alcoholism in our physical body becomes one of those things that can singularly become the focus of our lives. Addiction, whether it is alcohol, drugs, money, sex, or other such distracting force, can control us to the point where God is second... third... or fourth behind them. I knew a man who died while crossing a busy street in Murfreesboro Tennessee. He was drunk at the time, but the desire for another drink led him into the busy street, and death. He was willing to risk death for the alcohol that had become first in his life.
There are certain things that we should place great value on, and rightly so. We value the love of our spouse and children, the love of friends, the basic needs of our body, but nothing should eclipse our love of God and Jesus Christ. Unlike many of the things we have discussed so far, Jesus isn't, and will never be, a destructive force in our lives. When we place Him in control, he constrains us... He places all things in order.
I have heard it said, on many occasions, that an addict cannot defeat their addiction without undergoing a spiritual experience. Those who say this are right... Jesus can restore the balance to lives that are out of kilter. He constrains our desires and redirects our longings; we become a creature who has but one head instead of a hydra who is ruled by many whims, desires, and gods. Jesus brings constraint into an uncontrolled life.
Paul is telling us that when we realize the simple truth that Jesus came to die for us so that we will receive life abundantly, our lives will change. When we believe this to be true and we begin to place Him in control of our daily existence, the good shepherd begins to bring order into our otherwise chaotic lives.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
John 10:10-11 ESV
So to the questions of the day is this... who do we live for, and who do we choose to be above ourselves? Well, these questions have more than one answer... we live for those we love, and we choose others above even our own lives. What we should have asked is...
Who do we place first in our lives?
Who do we choose above all other things?
If we ask ourselves these questions then we get to the most important answer; the one that is foundational and provides the basis for all the other things that clutter our lives and thoughts.
“Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.”
1 Peter 2:6 KJV
Jesus is truly the cornerstone; the foundation of our lives. We are building a house of many stones, but only one gives it direction and provides for a good foundation for all else.
“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;”
Ephesians 2:20 KJV
The answer to our questions? Well, Jesus should be first in our lives because it is only by Him that we come to the Father...
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
John 14:6 KJV
And, as for “who do we choose above all things?” Well of course that would be God the Father, because none come before Him.
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”
Exodus 20:3 KJV
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for your son Jesus Christ who places my life in order and constrains me in all things. Father you are my God, my only God... none comes before you. Lord, when the desires and temptations of this world lure and confound me, I thank you for your steadfast nature and guidance. You are my rock and my foundation. You give me safe harbor from all storms. You set my course when there are no stars in the sky. You never disavow or fail me. Thank you for your unwavering presence, and the love which you lavish upon me. No lamb was ever carried by a more doting shepherd, and no sheep provided more carefully for... you are indeed my good shepherd who maketh me to lie down in green pastures, and leadeth me beside the still waters. It is you Abba who restores my soul. Praised be your name and may all glory be your crown. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my one and only God before whom I place nothing and no one. Holy are you who brings order to my life and restrains me when temptation calls me to pursue my own devices and will.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters,
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.:
Psalm 23:1-3 ESV
And all who believe and rest in the fullness of faith say Amen!
Rich Forbes