2 Corinthians 5:14-15  For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

God’s love for fallen mankind was profound enough for Him to give what has to be termed as the ultimate sacrifice, His only Son. God the Father was willing to do this to secure you a spot with Him for eternity, a fellowship with God that begins now and continues forever.

And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves.

Isn’t that a neat little summary of what is wrong with most of the world? …that those who live should no longer live for themselves. Most of the people in this world are concerned with nothing other than living for themselves. And that includes those who are followers of Jesus Christ. We get so wrapped up in schedules, appointments, finances, relationships and hobbies that we forget to keep the main thing the main thing. We have a difficult time putting the needs of others ahead of our own. They call that being egocentric, which means I put myself at the center of my universe. The world revolves around me. I put the satisfaction of my needs at the center of my life. It is played out on the personal level, to be sure, but this goes beyond that – the neighborhood, the community, the state, the political party, the nation. Wars are waged as parties seek to defend their own interests. And it all has as its root the same thing: SIN, the desire to live only for self, with self at the center. It is interesting to note that one of the first words children speak with utter conviction is “MINE.” Our world caters to this kind of thinking. Advertising is geared toward it: do more for yourself, you deserve the best, indulge yourself more.

 Don’t misunderstand what I am saying. We need to be concerned about ourselves and taking care of our needs. That is not the problem. The problem comes in the way we let that self-concern become supreme, overriding our concern for our neighbor, the good of others, and even the will of God. That is when jealousy, dishonesty and greed slip in and show themselves in harmful behavior. In fact, if you were to examine all the sinfulness and violence and hatred in the world, it would all boil down to this: love for self above love for God and our neighbor.

Thanks be to God that His love is not like that. His love is beyond self-love. His love is so profound that He provided the means for us to overcome the sin so deeply rooted in us. He sent Jesus to take care of it for us. We are convinced that one died for all. All are in the same boat we are, spiritually dead and in need of help. And that is what God gave us in Jesus. He lived a perfect life for ALL. There is no sin so great that His death did not take care of it. We sometimes have a hard time believing that God would still love us and forgive us, especially when a particular sin is bothering us. But He died for all. His salvation gives us the means to get beyond selfishness when by faith His death becomes our death for sin and His resurrection becomes our resurrection.

You and I need to know and feel God’s love the same way that Paul did. When Paul felt that love, he was able to live not for himself, but for Christ. He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

Why are you here? Most people ponder that question at times. So many never find an answer, they see life as meaningless. Problems discourage and disorient them. Nothing seems to make sense. And sometimes life happens in such a way that it cannot be explained. But you can be confident that God has your lives in His hands, even if you cannot explain what is happening. You have this confidence because of the love He has shown you through a cross and an empty tomb. That love becomes a compelling force, giving meaning and direction and purpose to your life. That love leads you to live in service to God and uour neighbor, which is what your life should be about.