THE NARROW PATH TO RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD - DAY 62

by Rev. Robert John Cericola, Carroll, OH - EUA 

Day 62

Controlled by Love

2 Corinthians 5:12–15 (AMP) We are not commending ourselves to you again, but we are providing you with an occasion and incentive to be [rightfully] proud of us, so that you may have a reply for those who pride themselves on surface appearances [on the virtues they only appear to have], although their heart is devoid of them. For if we are beside ourselves [mad, as some say], it is for God and concerns Him; if we are in our right mind, it is for your benefit, For the love of Christ controls and urges and impels us, because we are of the opinion and conviction that [if] One died for all, then all died; And He died for all, so that all those who live might live no longer to and for themselves, but to and for Him Who died and was raised again for their sake.   

Galatians 2:20 (NLT)  My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.

Paul in his letter to the Corinthians and the Galatians declares that he is no longer living to himself or for his benefit. Whether In his right mind or out of his mind, Paul’s actions are controlled by the love of Christ which causes Paul to live for others.

Unlike Paul, many modern believers have fallen into the trap of believing Father God is a butler bound to provide everything their hearts desire when they ask in the Name of Jesus. Of  course our Father wants to bless us but His priority is molding us inwardly into the image of Jesus Christ.  

The Narrow Path is where we exchange our selfish life for the life of Christ. Each blow to the self-life is not without suffering, for the battle between obedience and disobedience is real. The body desires to rule and actually feels pain and suffers when it is denied. However Holy Spirit is our Comforter and through His power we can subdue the flesh and die to self. If we continue we will one day be able to say, “it is no longer I that lives but Christ that lives in me!”

Ending Thoughts

If you are following the Narrow Path in pursuit of a relationship with Christ stay on it. If you are not, ask yourself why not? And be truthful with your answer.