THURSDAY February 4, 2021

Christ Lives in Me

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…”
Galatians 2:20

Something caught my eye in this Scripture. Notice, the Apostle Paul wrote in past tense, “I have been crucified,” which means a person has gone through the process of crucifixion. Paul said we are to be crucified “with Christ.” Christ lives “in me.” Christians are supposed to be like Christ. If believers do not know how to crucify themselves––deny themselves––then they are not Christ-like. Self should be put in the grave––that is dying to self.

People watch your life, and they see the results of the nailing of self––death to self. Real conversions to Christ can be seen by others. They should see a disciplined way of life––a life of prayer and dedication to the Lord. Christians live to worship and to please to God, not to impress anyone else. The Lord shines on them. You see, God acknowledges them as if to say, “This is one of My children who knows Me.”

As I look at the Church today, I wonder what has happened. When I came to Christ, the Church was on fire––zealous for Christ. People were convicted of sin. Christians openly shared the Gospel. They knew how to die to themselves. At present, I believe, Christians have made themselves castles––they are comfortable with their homes and lives. Jesus never made Himself a comfortable castle in this world. He came to serve mankind: “…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

Jesus was meek. He allowed men to shame Him and to hurt Him. If you live a crucified life, you will experience some of the Cross––the painful persecution. Many people do not like Christians. Yet when we are finally in the presence of the Lord, we shall hear Him say: “ ‘…Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you a ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord’ ” (Matthew 25:21).

I believe you will only hear this when you obey the call of Christ to take up the Cross and follow.

You cannot be Christ’s servant if you are not willing to follow him, cross and all…
~C.H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!