Daily Devotional: Day 31
“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, KJV).
Paul puts it so well. What he says in today’s Bible passage is a concise and excellent description of what a Christian’s life is and ought to be. Let’s look at what this Scripture means for us. As a Christian, there are essential truths you must keep in mind always. One of these truths is that you are crucified with Christ. This is a deep truth, so take time to reflect on what that means. You didn’t get crucified with Christ physically, but you’re crucified with him nonetheless. It’s truth. Take a moment and visualize how being crucified with Christ would look like (Read Romans 6:1-23). The old you, i.e. the “you” before you got born again is crucified with Christ. That old self was unrighteous, a slave to sin and faced condemnation. It’s this self which is now crucified with Christ. This old self no longer exists; he is crucified, i.e. dead. Once Jesus got rid of the old self, he had to replace it with something else. So, you’ve been born again and given a new self, made righteousness and filled with God’s righteousness, just like Jesus. But here’s the thing: if you forget – and many Christians do forget – that your old self is crucified with Christ, there’s a big chance you’ll repeat the habits of the old crucified self. Again, read Romans 6:1-23; Paul explains this point at length.
The key is to remember what occurred at your new birth. If you remember that your old sinner-self is crucified and dead, it’ll make a big difference in how you operate. Of course, you’ll face temptation daily, but the truth of God in you will make you overcome. I know . . . It sounds simple, but that’s how it works. The Gospel is simple, but it produces amazing results. You must remind yourself often about the realities of your new birth until they become a normal part of your daily life; then, you can relate to what Paul says in today’s Bible verse. Like Paul, you’ll get to the point where you can confidently, but humbly say that you’re crucified with Christ; nevertheless you live; yet not you, but Christ lives in you. This is the essence of being a Christian, being born again, being identified with Christ. It’s the point where Jesus is in the driving seat of your life. It’s the best thing that could happen to you. If you’re reading this devotional, I’m excited for you. I’m praying that the Father’s wonderful plan for you be fulfilled, and that you enjoy this wonderful and glorious life Jesus has given you.
Pray:
Daddy, thank you for the wonderful life you’ve given me in Christ. I want Jesus to take over my life. I step aside and yield to his Lordship. You are my good Father. Let your will be done in my life. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.
For further study: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
Higher-Self Realities 