I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. — Galatians 2:20

Christianity is all about putting ourselves to death. Some people think this is ugly, hard, and weak. “Why give up what you want, what you need, and what you long for because someone else says so?” they’re curious. “That sounds like being forced to work!” they say. But they don’t understand that giving up our wills to Christ is just like a bird or fish giving up to the air or water. When we give ourselves over to the Lord, he gives us the power to be what we were made to be. He gives us the ability to be useful in ways that last forever, the ability to live a life that isn’t limited by our mortal bodies, and the blessing of being able to talk to God as our Father. What do we lose when we let Christ live in us? Only our selfishness and the damage we do to ourselves when we rebel.

 

Thought

Christianity is all about putting ourselves to death. Some people think this is ugly, hard, and weak. “Why give up what you want, what you need, and what you long for because someone else says so?” they’re curious. “That sounds like being forced to work!” they say. But they don’t understand that giving up our wills to Christ is just like a bird or fish giving up to the air or water. When we give ourselves over to the Lord, he gives us the power to be what we were made to be. He gives us the ability to be useful in ways that last forever, the ability to live a life that isn’t limited by our mortal bodies, and the blessing of being able to talk to God as our Father. What do we lose when we let Christ live in us? Only our selfishness and the damage we do to ourselves when we rebel.

 

Prayer

Holy Father, I thank you for what Jesus has done for me. I trust that as you change me to be more like your Son and my Savior, you will use me in ways I can’t even imagine. Please take my heart and thoroughly clean it. Please use my life well if you take it. Please help me think bigger thoughts and dream grander dreams. All of this should be made possible by the life of your Son in me, and everything I do, dream, and want should be for your glory. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.