Rom 5:3 (NIV) Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, Whom He has given us.

There is, however, an even better way of resisting the pressures of the world. The best motive for pleasing God is love. Perfect love drives out fear. In the beginnings of wisdom we need a healthy respect for God and His requirements. But, as we grow in love for Him and His ways, we are motivated by love.

This is God’s preferred motivational relationship with His people. The reason we don’t have other gods, make idols and worship them, use God’s name in a derogatory way, forget the Sabbath, dishonor our parents, murder, commit adultery, steal, give false witness, covet our neighbor’s house, possessions, or wife is because:

Mat 22:37 (NIV) Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”