-April 5, 2022-
Good morning, happy Tuesday,
“For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.”
(2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
Paul was so thankful that Christ died for us and rose again. He died for us that we may live for Him completely. In Romans 6:3-5, Paul wrote, “Or do not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Baptism is an outward symbol of our death, burial, and resurrection with Christ.
When Christ died, we died with Him. We died to our sins, the old life, and all our corrupt ways; and when He rose to new life, we rose with Him to walk in newness of life. He takes away the old; all things are new. All our sins are forgiven and we now we strive to live for Christ and Him alone. Before we were saved it was all about self, now it is all about Him. We are members of His body. Paul reminds us that we should no longer live for ourselves but for Him.
Self is one of our worst enemies. The world exalts and promotes self; we must crucify it daily. Jesus said in Luke 9:23, “…If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself; and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” This is was what discipleship is all about. It is a choice we must make to deny ourselves, our own plans, our own will, and our own desires, to live for Christ and Him alone. There is a constant battle between the flesh and the Spirit. That is why it it so important to be in the Word and prayer every day. Living for ourselves leads to frustration and defeat; living for Christ leads to fulfillment and victory. As Paul wrote, “The love of Christ compels us.” It spurs us on in our walk with Christ.
Have a blessed day living fully for Christ who died for us and rose again. Stay safe and healthy.
In His eternal love,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 