I posed a question to friends online recently asking, “does your faith control you or compel you?” Those who entered the conversation offered a broad spectrum of thought — everything from “both” to “neither.” “Both” didn’t surprise me — it’s a great compromise answer. “Neither” made me think, and I appreciate that.
In thinking of this question myself I’m drawn to considering how Jesus’ contemporaries viewed this after seeing the way He lived. In a letter written to the early church it was said…
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3 TNIV)
What strikes me about this, and so much of what Jesus and those who knew Him wrote, is that it’s written almost entirely from a perspective of inspiration rather than compliance. Certainly God “laid down the law” quite literally in Old Testament writings. But Jesus put even that in context when He quotedDeuteronomy 6:5 saying, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” And pointed out in Matt 22 that the entire law stands on this principle. So in the end, it’s motivation that counts.
I am becoming increasing convinced that a faith of real power is a faith that compels. A life in the way of Jesus must be lived through the Spirit, from the heart. Faith should be our greatest motivation. Motivation challenges us to live life abundantly. To the extent we live by a faith that controls us, we are living in supposition that the Spirit has not, and will not, change our hearts. That mindset has us defeated from the start. Let’s remember that God made us in His image. We were made to live as He modeled for us through Christ. And if we are in relationship with Him, the Spirit will guide our hearts and minds. So rather than focusing our efforts on living our modern version of old testament law, let’s free ourselves, recognize that we’re imperfect, BUT that the one who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4paraphrase.)
In thinking of this question myself I’m drawn to considering how Jesus’ contemporaries viewed this after seeing the way He lived. In a letter written to the early church it was said…
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3 TNIV)
What strikes me about this, and so much of what Jesus and those who knew Him wrote, is that it’s written almost entirely from a perspective of inspiration rather than compliance. Certainly God “laid down the law” quite literally in Old Testament writings. But Jesus put even that in context when He quotedDeuteronomy 6:5 saying, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” And pointed out in Matt 22 that the entire law stands on this principle. So in the end, it’s motivation that counts.
I am becoming increasing convinced that a faith of real power is a faith that compels. A life in the way of Jesus must be lived through the Spirit, from the heart. Faith should be our greatest motivation. Motivation challenges us to live life abundantly. To the extent we live by a faith that controls us, we are living in supposition that the Spirit has not, and will not, change our hearts. That mindset has us defeated from the start. Let’s remember that God made us in His image. We were made to live as He modeled for us through Christ. And if we are in relationship with Him, the Spirit will guide our hearts and minds. So rather than focusing our efforts on living our modern version of old testament law, let’s free ourselves, recognize that we’re imperfect, BUT that the one who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4paraphrase.)
