WHO'S IN CHARGE?
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 (NLT)
Christian. Born again. Believer. Asked Jesus into your heart. Christ follower. Disciple. We have a lot of ways of referring to those who have passed from death to life. Whatever language you use, the truth is the same: you were dead in your sin, and Christ has raised you to new life. You're no longer calling the shots for your own life—Christ is Lord. We live our lives surrendered and submitted to His authority.
Consider what Paul says in Romans 6:14-18 (NLT): Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God's grace. Well then, since God's grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.
Christ loved you and gave His life for you. In turn, we're called to love Him and lay down our lives daily for Him. He's not just the Savior for our afterlife, but the Lord and Master of our lives here and now. Prior to your salvation, you lived under obligation to your sinful nature. Now you're free in Him! So, let us wholeheartedly obey His ways.
APPLICATION: Who is calling the shots in your day-to-day life? You? Or Jesus? Are you seeking His will? What area of your life needs to be brought more fully under his authority? Reflect. Repent. Be renewed in the Spirit.
PRAYER: Lord, I pray that You will help me fall more in love with You every day. I thank You that it is no longer I that live but Your Son in me. Thank You for Your radical grace and mercy. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?