GALATIANS 2:20-21: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” (NKJV)
OBSERVATION: How will I live my life today? Each day presents new opportunities, new responsibilities, and new choices. It may seem like there are a myriad of things to consider. Yet, in reality there are only two. Will I live my life in my own strength, or will I allow Christ to live through me? The choice I make this morning will determine the rest of my day, and the rest of my life.
I used to own a 26 foot sailboat. I learned a lot about life when I learned to sail in the Pacific Ocean. My boat had a main sail and a jib sail, along with a small 7 horsepower outboard motor. When I “caught the wind”, or more correctly, when I “found the wind” and it lifted my sails – I soared effortlessly across the water. When I lost the wind, or when I did not navigate my boat correctly to keep it in the wind, I was forced to use my small 7 horsepower outboard to get back into the bay. The difference was night and day. One was a joyful experience of power beyond myself, the other a miserable chug-chug-chug battle against the wind and waves.
This is much like our Christian life. If I endeavor to live for Jesus Christ, to walk according the His Truth, in my own strength or power – I am simply chugging along against the wind and waves. It is both a difficult and a miserable experience. However, if I learn the power of His death and resurrection in my life, if I surrender to His Lordship, I find the wonderful provision of Christ living in and through me. I find myself doing things that I normally could not do, loving with love that I normally would not possess, abiding in peace that surpasses my own human understanding. I find the Grace of God – “lifting” me above the weaknesses and limitations of my life. I find myself “sailing in His Love”!
This is the way I want to live my life. This is the way I need to live my life. This is the only way I can truly experience life. The reality of faith is that I have been crucified with Christ – yet I live. It is not a physical death, but a spiritual death and rebirth. It is the inner transformation of my heart as I am “born again” by the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within me and to allow the very person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ to live through me. I am not commandeered by the Lord like some robot. Rather, I am empowered by His presence to become my full redeemed and creative self. I enter into the fullness of God’s will for my life as I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me!
Lord, this morning I account myself as dead to my old way of life, to my self-reliance, and to my self-will. I confess in faith that I am alive in You through Jesus Christ my Lord! Lord Jesus, live in me and through me in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Let me see Your Love manifested in all that I do today. Be my strength and my life! I fully surrender to the wonder and power of Your Great Grace! In Jesus Name!
