By Os Hillman
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me (Gal 2:20).
"There's nothing wrong with you that a good funeral won't solve," I said to the woman. "I'll even send you flowers!" She smiled in response. I was speaking figuratively to the woman who was stressing out about an issue in her life.
Her problem was the same problem most of us have - too much of "us" and not enough of Jesus and the cross. Many of the daily problems in life can be solved by coming to an end of ourselves so Jesus can take over. I believe this is what the psalmist meant when he said: "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints" (Ps 116:15).
The apostle Paul recognized the need for a funeral too when he penned these words: "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (Rom 6:1-4).
Whenever we stress over a matter, get angry over a daily circumstance, or seek to have our own way - it is a sign there is still life in the grave. We need to fill it with dirt and smother the life of our flesh so that Christ may live freely, unhindered by the "old" man. Send yourself some flowers today. Have a good funeral.
6 comments:
Tha is really tough. Too actually do this with all things will be a significant feat for me. I am certainly going to try though.
cas
"Fill it with dirt!"
I like that. That's a great illustration to remember.
tba
that is a great reminder. I,m going to buyva shovel today.
ldb
Dying to self, my entire self, is something I have yet to grasp. However, like CAS, I will keep on trying. This burying illustration is a good visual for me to remember.
Ditto to all!
g
great post. There is a book called Pride and Humility that i just finished. It highlights the need to be less about "self" and more about God and loving others and thus being humble and lowly. it is a good read.
Also - wanted to share that my mom's biopsy for breast cancer came back benign. Praise God! Also - she survived a 25% layoff at her company. God was truly good to her and her family. Thank you all for your prayers.
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