2 Corinthians 5:14-15. For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 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.
Many people think that believing in Jesus is simply choosing one religion among many. Others assume that committing their lives to Christ means they will have to give up everything they enjoy and live under strict rules. Even some believers struggle with the fear that living a godly life is too difficult and that following Jesus means losing everything. But this is a misunderstanding that comes from not knowing the core of the gospel.
The truth is, when we give our lives to Jesus, God doesn’t call us to abandon everything; He calls us to change the direction of our lives. It’s not about giving up your job, your possessions, or your dreams. It’s about letting God reshape your purpose. You can still keep your career, your resources, and your relationships—but now they are aligned with something far greater than yourself: God’s kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
This is the key difference between religion and the gospel. Religion says, “Give up everything and try harder to be worthy.” The gospel says, “Jesus gave everything for you, and now you live for Him because you are already loved and accepted.” We no longer live for ourselves because Christ’s love compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14). His love is not distant or theoretical; it was demonstrated at the cross, where He took our place and bore our sins.
When Jesus died, our sinful nature, worldly ambitions, and misplaced pursuits died with Him. Through His resurrection, we were raised into a new life with a new identity and a new purpose. That’s why Paul says it is only right that we no longer live for ourselves, but for the One who gave everything for us. Paul captures this mindset perfectly in his letter to the Colossian believers:
“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:1-3)
When this truth takes root in your heart, your entire perspective on life changes. You realize that your true home is in heaven and that your greatest blessings come from above, not from the temporary things of this world. Earthly success, wealth, and recognition no longer control you because your identity and security are anchored in Christ.
And when your focus shifts to the eternal, you find a new strength to face life’s challenges. Paul experienced incredible hardships—persecution, imprisonment, rejection, and suffering—yet his faith never wavered, as he writes:
“We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-9)
Paul’s life was far from easy, yet his joy remained unshaken because his direction in life had completely changed. Even from prison, he encouraged others, writing, “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). His strength didn’t come from himself but from Christ, as he boldly declared, “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
This same transformation is available to you. When despair, trials, or crises come, you are not left to face them alone. God invites you to “give all your worries and cares to Him, for He cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7). What the enemy intends for harm, God uses for your growth and His glory. Problems are not obstacles meant to destroy you—they are God-ordained opportunities for you to experience His power and discover His plan.
So stop worrying and start praying. Trust that God is working behind the scenes in ways you cannot yet see. Hold onto His promise in all circumstances: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28). That includes you.
Prayer. Father, I thank You for changing the direction of my life when I believed in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Teach me to live no longer for myself but for the One who died and rose again for me. Help me fix my eyes on the realities of heaven and trust Your plan in every circumstance. May Your perfect will be done in my life today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.