WRITTEN BY DR. JIM GRASSI
In marketing, something that “drives action” motivates someone to take a desired step, like clicking on a link or making a purchase. It isn’t vague and doesn’t just grab someone’s attention. It guides them toward a specific action – converting interest into activity, passive observation into active engagement. This is the kind of love Jesus was talking about when He proclaimed the two greatest commandments: Love God with all your being and love others like yourself (Matthew 22:36-39).
This love goes beyond interest, passive observation, and feelings; this love demands and drives action. Consider God’s love for us: He gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16). Biblical love is quite radical compared to the shallow, selfish love our culture promotes. Jesus calls us to a love that requires the courage, devotion, and sacrifice of a soldier.
Our country is in a war as equally devasting as if nuclear bombs were being dropped. When we witness our values and morality being obliterated, our love for God and others should motivate us to rise up, become warriors and watchmen for our families and the truth of Jesus Christ. The power God’s love should flow through us, moving us to stand for what is right, speak truth lovingly but boldly, care for others – even the unlovely – stand in the gap where there is a need, and protect what is Holy. But this is no easy battle. It requires us to put aside worldly distractions and adopt an agenda of love, hope, strength, courage, and great character for the younger generation. This kind of love requires a dependence on God.
“And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1: 19-20).
Like an advancing army, we cannot engage successfully in this battle – against the evils of this world and our own complacency, ambitions, fears, and even laziness – without a constant flow of supplies and resources. Fortunately, the Lord’s supply is limitless and readily available:
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).
Spending time in prayer and in God’s Word grows us spiritually and fuels us with truth. Putting on the whole armor of God provides protection and strength (Ephesian 6:10-18). Loving Christ and others with our whole being drives us to action.
Scripture Reading: Romans 12:9-21
Personal Application: Your silence in the face of evil can look like approval. On the contrary, your love in action can actually overcome evil. Consider how you express your love for God and others. How does it drive you to action as a “watchman” for your family and community? What are three specific ways your love can overcome evil?
- Taken in part from The Watchman: A Clarion Call for Men to Stand in the Gap by Jim Grassi
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5