| OUR NEW LIFE IN CHRIST A very small word occurs several times in our reading today. It has only two letters but has tremendous meaning for us. It is the little word "in". If you looked it up in a dictionary, you would be surprised how much space is given to such a small word. Its real meaning for us refers to our union with Christ. Look again at verses 17, 19 and 20. As you do, substitute the words "in union with Christ" for the word "in". That is how God sees us. That is how we have new life. Now because we have new life, there are several consequences which should be seen in our lives and ministries. For example, Paul says we have new motives, we have a new position and we have a new ministry. WE HAVE NEW MOTIVES A very strong motive is mentioned in verse 11 - the "fear of the Lord". This is not a fear of what God may do to us if we fail. Rather it is the fear of hurting, disappointing or grieving Him. God wants us to do only the things which please Him. That should be our aim too. Then verse 14 mentions another new motive - the love of Christ. It is not merely our love for Christ that is meant, but His love for us and for all men. He wants to reach them through us. What a privilege it is, but also what a responsibility! Finally, verse 15 tells us how we should live - not for ourselves but for others. Our value system changes when we are in union with Christ. As the truth of what Christ has done and wants to do lays hold of us, we will see men and women differently. We will see them through the eyes of Christ. We will learn to live for others as Christ did. These are or should be some of the new and compelling motives for the person who is in union with Christ. God in Christ has done all He could possibly do to save men and women. If I know this, if I have experienced it myself, then God is looking to me to share the truth with those who don't know it. Am I doing just that? I know what He wants. Let me not be afraid to do it. | 
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