Why Share?

2 Cor. 5:11

Therefore knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others.

Paul desired the Corinthians to know why he was so adamant about sharing Jesus. To begin with, Paul feared the Lord. He knew that one day "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. This concept is pretty compelling not just for Paul but for us as well. We love and serve the same Lord, and will appear before the same judgment seat. Paul described his fervor as beside himself. Sharing the Lord had consumed him. It was his one desire each and every day. The burden of seeing those who claimed Christ live for him was equally as strong. What is our one desire every day? 

Secondly, Paul said that the love of Christ controlled him. Just knowing that Christ had died for all to give them new life was all the motivation he needed. Why did Jesus do this? So that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. Once we are saved, we have one purpose, that is to live for Jesus. We should be as beside ourselves as Paul was. Are we?

Finally, God has given Paul, and all who believe, the ministry of reconciliation. In Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Quite a message we have to share! It was the most exciting thing to Paul, but what about us? Are we excited by this message of reconciliation? Does Christ's love control us, our every thought, word, and action? Paul concluded with Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. Because of all these reasons Paul could implore the people on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God, to accept the One who knew no sin but was made to be sin so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. What a glorious outcome! 

Father,

I confess I do not share as I should. My enthusiasm is sadly lacking. Lord, help me. Open my eyes to see the opportunities You have placed before me. Lord, I want to be faithful to do what You want me to do. 

In Jesus name,

Amen