Love, Evangelism, and Self-Control

Mario and Irma, incredible missionaries in Guinea-Bissau. Through their lives of love,
Evangelism and self-control, many are coming to Christ. 

Scripture:

For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them.

(2 Cor. 5:13–15 NRSV)

Observation:

This is a continuation of Paul’s conversation with the Corinthians about his apostolic role, which he identifies two-fold. First, his job is to be an evangelistic preacher, and this is for God. Second, he exercises self-control, to the benefit of others. Overall, his motivation is his love for Christ. Because he knows that Christ died for him, and for all, he recognizes that all that he does, must be for Christ. That’s why he has no problem evangelizing, and exercising self-control, because it all springs from his love for the one who gave everything for him. 

Application:

I’m not sure that many of us could join Paul in his entirely other-centered lifestyle. You never read of Paul making arguments for satisfying his own desires or comforts. Instead, he is so filled with love for Christ that he is willing to sacrifice his own desires so that others may know the love of Christ as well. This two-fold expression seems to be a reflection of his spiritual condition.

There aren’t many conversations these days around the idea of self-sacrifice. Instead, there is great emphasis upon “rights” and, what is considered the infringement of those rights if someone might suggest that we sacrifice our rights on behalf of our relationship with Christ, or for the benefit of others. The idea of self-sacrificial living is received as being almost hostile in today’s world. In essence, the world views those who continue into a deeper walk with Jesus Christ as being incompatible with contemporary society. Maybe at this point we ought to say, “Praise be to God.” Why? Because first century Christianity was so out of step with society that most of the leaders were martyred, and yet, the kingdom of God spread through them and their ministry. 

Love of God and love of others is to define our lives. That’s really what Paul is reiterating here:

If I am beside myself — willing to speak outside of myself — then it’s my love for God. If I am in my right mind — willing to live sacrificial — then it’s my love of others. 

This last weekend we were in Guinea-Bissau where we saw this kind of love in action. Just five years ago there was no work here in this country. Now, because of two sacrificial missionary leaders, who have connected with local sacrificial leaders, there is a beautiful and flourishing ministry. They live simply and put their lives on the line to reach out to those in distant islands. Their love for God and others overflows through their others-centered lifestyle. 

The world is becoming more and more like the Roman Empire of the first century and God is calling us to follow in the footsteps of Paul and the apostles. Our lives must be defined by love of God and love of others, resulting in an evangelistic call which is accompanied by self-sacrifice. This is the reflection of a disciple on a deeper walk with Jesus Christ. 

Prayer:

Lord, may my life reflect love for you, expressed in evangelism and self-control. Amen.