I typically make use of the English Standard Version of the Bible in my use. It's a bit more of a literal translation of the languages that the Bible was written in. There are other versions that aim for a more simple, "colloquial" translation. In other words, the first strives to be more true to the actual wording of the original language. The second aims for the intent of the original, but uses the more common language for its translation purposes.
Why bring that up? Because in a few instances, it makes a very big difference in how you translate a verse. For example, the verse that I want to use for today's blog post is from 2 Corinthians 5:14, where Paul writes, "For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died." The key word in this verse is 'controls.' If you look in the New International Version, a much more common and colloquial version, it says that 'the love of Christ compels us...' Two related, but different words with vastly different intents behind them.
For the purposes of today's blog, I actually like the NIV translation a bit more. The love of Christ compels us. In other words, what is the driving force behind what you do, and why you do it? Do you do what you do as a Christian because you are compelled by a great love that Christ has for you, and therefore you have a great love for others, or do you do what you as a Christian because you are controlled by Christ? I don't know about you, but I would much rather be compelled to love because I have the great love of another that is directed toward me, rather than to think that I am controlled by that one.
In fact, as we think about it, control seems to have more to do with the law. You control someone to get them to do what you want them to do. Compel has more to do with the Gospel. You do it because you see what you have already received. I'm forgiven, therefore I'm compelled to forgive others, rather than, I'm forgiven, therefore I'm controlled to forgive others. That changes the whole dynamic of our lives as Christians. Are we compelled to love and good works because of what God has done for us as our Father and Creator, and as our Redeemer, or do we do it because we're supposed to, because God forces us to?
In other words, are you compelled or controlled? And I guess we could ask the auxiliary question. What happens if you are neither compelled nor controlled to love and do good works? That's an issue of having the old sinful nature remain in control of your life, rather than that of the Holy Spirit. But that's for another post. For today, what compels or controls you, and which is the driving force in your Christian life?
Why bring that up? Because in a few instances, it makes a very big difference in how you translate a verse. For example, the verse that I want to use for today's blog post is from 2 Corinthians 5:14, where Paul writes, "For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died." The key word in this verse is 'controls.' If you look in the New International Version, a much more common and colloquial version, it says that 'the love of Christ compels us...' Two related, but different words with vastly different intents behind them.
For the purposes of today's blog, I actually like the NIV translation a bit more. The love of Christ compels us. In other words, what is the driving force behind what you do, and why you do it? Do you do what you do as a Christian because you are compelled by a great love that Christ has for you, and therefore you have a great love for others, or do you do what you as a Christian because you are controlled by Christ? I don't know about you, but I would much rather be compelled to love because I have the great love of another that is directed toward me, rather than to think that I am controlled by that one.
In fact, as we think about it, control seems to have more to do with the law. You control someone to get them to do what you want them to do. Compel has more to do with the Gospel. You do it because you see what you have already received. I'm forgiven, therefore I'm compelled to forgive others, rather than, I'm forgiven, therefore I'm controlled to forgive others. That changes the whole dynamic of our lives as Christians. Are we compelled to love and good works because of what God has done for us as our Father and Creator, and as our Redeemer, or do we do it because we're supposed to, because God forces us to?
In other words, are you compelled or controlled? And I guess we could ask the auxiliary question. What happens if you are neither compelled nor controlled to love and do good works? That's an issue of having the old sinful nature remain in control of your life, rather than that of the Holy Spirit. But that's for another post. For today, what compels or controls you, and which is the driving force in your Christian life?
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