For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 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. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

Living For Christ

Freedom and democracy are the patriotic sounding board for those who want to choose how they live, where they live, and how they live their lives. Throughout the ages, nations have established realms allowing citizens to choose and decide how to live. Inalienable rights supersede governmental laws and cultural norms. These natural rights include the right to think for oneself, the right to life, and the right to self-defense, and they remain throughout every human’s lifetime. Thomas Jefferson, one of the main creators of the Declaration of Independence, explained the unalienable rights of each citizen were life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The democratic republic of the United States was founded upon the principles of rights for every citizen.

Democracy is a powerful platform to build a nation but contrary to the foundation of the kingdom of God. There is no democracy in the kingdom belonging to Jesus Christ. A theocracy of the sovereign rule of God alone characterizes the kingdom Jesus established. The subjects of the kingdom are to obey the word of God. When someone obeys the gospel of Jesus Christ, they turn their lives totally over to the will of the Father. The church is not a democracy where the individual can vote for or against the law of God. There is no choice. God establishes law and expects the citizens of the kingdom to obey the word without reservation.

Obedience to God is not forced as if the Lord ruled as a dictator. The love of Christ compels the Christian to honor God in his life by giving his whole spirit to the will of the Father. This is based on the realization that Jesus died for the individual. It is easy to view the death of Christ as a global event, but in reality, the death of Jesus must be considered in a personal and singular manner. If a man cannot take into his heart the personal sacrifice Jesus made for him, he cannot and will not willingly subject himself to the will of God. The love of Christ compels a man, controls his will, and constrains the spirit to obey. When a man learns to subject himself to Christ, he empties his will for the one truth, one way, and life.

Jesus died for the individual. When the individual accepts the sacrifice of Jesus as a personal testimony of divine love, he is willing to give his life entirely to God. The decision must be made that when a man becomes a Christian, he no longer lives for himself. That is a hard decision to make. The spirit of freedom resides deep in the heart of all men, but that spirit cannot be in the heart of the Christian. Freedom can only be found in Christ measured by completely removing self and subjecting the soul to God’s will. Those who live for Christ should live no longer for themselves. They must put Christ first in everything. Are you compelled to live for Christ? Subject yourself to His will, and He will lift you up. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. Bow in the presence of the I AM, and He will raise you up. Live no longer for self but for Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Living for Christ is the only way to die in Christ to gain eternal life.