FRIDAY July 15, 2022

The Crucified Life

“But none of these things [chains and tribulation] move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
Acts 20:24

Luke was Paul’s personal physician, friend, and traveling companion. He went with him on his missionary journeys. He is mentioned in the book of Philemon and in the book of Colossians. In these epistles, Luke did not use his name, but referred to himself by using the pronoun “we.”

I believe Luke lived by the words Jesus gave to His disciples: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24). He saw the life of self-denial and dedication in the example of Paul. Luke saw the crucified life in Paul, and he chose to live that life too.

Let me clarify something. You may be saying to yourself, “The disciples of Christ were amazing. I could never be used of God in such a mighty way as them!” Even though the disciples walked with Jesus in His ministry, they were people just like you and me. His Apostles and disciples were not superstars; they were servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord wants you to commit your life to Him, to be a servant, empowered and energized by His Spirit. He desires to use you tremendously for His glory, whether it is at home, at school, or in the church.

However, God cannot use a person if there is sin in their life. Sin grieves the Holy Spirit of God. The word grieve means “to bring pain.” He gets hurt. The Spirit of God cannot do His effective work in their life until repentance takes place.

Many people want to be used of God, but they need to live the crucified life. They cannot be torn between two opinions––serving their flesh or submitted to the Spirit. God says to us, “Son, Daughter––give me all of your heart; be a living sacrifice so I can use you for My glory.”

The crucified life is a life absolutely committed to following after Christ Jesus. To be more like Him. To think like Him. To act like Him. To love Him.
~A.W. Tozer~

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