Not I, But Christ's Life

Photo by RODNAE Productions

“But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is life because of righteousness.”—Romans 8:10

When I was in high school, I hated everything. I was angry and took it out on my parents, brothers, and even some of my closest friends. It would be years later that I would realize what I was angry at. One Summer while working on Morehead State’s campus I made a mistake that made me come face-to-face with the source of my anger – me. I found that I didn’t like myself very much because I had become everything I never wanted to be. I always wanted to be regarded as a man that could be trusted, looked up to, and sought out for guidance. However, in the midst of my mistakes, I found that I was in fact not trustworthy, wise, or even capable of being the man I wanted to be.

In this place, arguably my deepest and darkest place, I found council in someone I trusted, my mentor. He helped me to understand that the moment I had accepted Jesus as my savior I was justified and started a process to become more like Him. The only problem standing in my way was my desire to think and act selfishly. I was always seeking out the best solution for me, not for others. He then helped me to understand another truth, that while I am forgiven of my sin by grace through faith it does not mean I should go on willfully sinning. I came to understand that a life of Holiness is what we are called to as Christians.

I find it interesting that before Christ’s followers were known as Christians, they were followers of the Way. I love that! As Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) I had to understand that the WAY means to follow Jesus’ example and instruction throughout our whole lives. This means that we are expected to love like Jesus loves and reflect a lifestyle of integrity while we help others understand this calling.

Today’s verse from Romans 8:10 shows us this message. Our body, the flesh, may be dead in sin but our spirit is alive because of Jesus’ righteousness. Because of His righteousness and sacrifice on the cross we are made new and no longer are slaves to the sin that tempts us. Jesus came and endured it all without giving in to it. He then died so that we may die with him, and He has resurrected us, freeing us from sin’s bondage.

“As we learn to stand upon the finished work of Calvary, the Holy Spirit will begin to faithfully and effectively apply that finished work of the cross to the self-life, thereby holding it in the place of death – inactive – resulting in the ‘not I, but Christ’ life.” – Miles J. Stanford, The Green Letters: Principles of Spiritual Growth

Questions:

1. How are you placing Christ before yourself?

2. Are you seeing and treating others as Christ does?

3. Do you recognize and honor the gifts of others God has given you? Your children? Your friendships? Your family?

4. Have you earnestly prayed for the people who have wronged you? Are you working to forgive them?