Scripture Text: Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
Have you known the frustration of trying to put your selfish nature to death?
It is about as easy as putting out fire with gasoline!
In ourselves, we cannot destroy the old ways any more that we can make ourselves righteous. Therein lies the key: only the living presence of the Holy Spirit in us can accomplish these things. Our lives in our earthly bodies must be captured by the revelation of God’s unconditional love for us, demonstrated in the life, sacrifice, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
This is not merely a future hope. It is a present reality - now! Just as light displaces darkness, Christ in us will displace what needs to die as we focus our attentions on Him. He will use our circumstances to bring us to the point where we are teachable and are ready to truly learn to put our trust in Him.
This is the time when we can begin to fight our selfish nature - through the power of Christ living in us.
“Feed on Christ, and then go and live your life, and it is Christ in you that lives your life, that helps the poor, that tells the truth, that fights the battle, and that wins the crown.”
Philips Brook (1835-1893)
Reflect
1. Are you aware of your selfish nature?
2. Are you striving hard to put it to death?
3. Did you realize that only in Christ can this happen?
Remember
Total surrender to Christ and full cooperation with the Holy Spirit is letting go of self and trusting Him more and more. He is what truly can make us live a satisfying life because He alone is what satisfies us.
Acknowledge that God is in control of the situation and entrust it to Him by praying that He will work both in the circumstances and also in your own heart.
Read
Romans 6:4-6; Galatians 5:24; 1 Peter 4:1-2
Pray
Oh Lord, thank You for loving me and giving Yourself to me. Thank You for Your desire to live through me and enable me to live for You. May the truth of Your Word give me the vision to trust You with all that I am so that all that You are may dwell in me. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.
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