Whose Life Is It?

REFERENCE: Galatians 2:20 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.

Observation: When we accept Christ not only are we recognizing that He died for us, but we are also participating in that death ourselves. If we die with Him then the life that we now have is Christ living through us.

What difference should that make? It is most important when we consider how to deal with the sin issue in our lives. If we are serious about it, many of us feel like we need to try harder and discipline ourselves more in order to obtain holiness. But if "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me" then He is the one who must combat temptation in my flesh. Our struggle is the give "the struggle" over to Him completely so that He can completely win it.

It is that submission and reliance on Him that is difficult to learn, but very, very important to live.

Application/Confession: I still find myself struggling for holiness by will power alone. I need to remember to fall back on His grace. It is the only thing that can make the difference.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, make me holy. Jesus, it is You living through me that I want. Please do. Please make it possible for this fleshly body to act in a way that pleases You.