What Makes It Different?
What makes the Christian life different? One of my favorite Scripture verses answers that question. The apostle Paul explained the difference in his message to the believers in Galatia. He wrote, “”I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
From these inspired words, we can see two things that characterize the Christian life as opposed to the life of the person who is not born again. First, the Christian life is a crucified life. Just as God the Son gave up His rights as Creator of the universe and obediently died on a cross, a believer gives up his right to control his life and obediently serves the Lord. But the Christian life is even more than this. An exchange has taken place! Authority in the believer’s life has passed from “self” to Christ. In return, Jesus Christ moves in and lives the godly life Himself through the Christian. So, it truly is a giving up of control of one’s own life. Second, the Christian life is a faith life. A believer must live a spiritual lifestyle in a physical existence. Not easy! However, each Christian has the Holy Spirit of God dwelling within to empower and affirm spiritual living. He also possesses God’s revelation of Himself, His ways, and His eternal plan in the form of the Bible. The motivation to be committed to the Christian life is also revealed in the words of Galatians 2:20. What is that motivation? It is simply “gratitude” for what Jesus Christ did, “who loved me and gave Himself for me.” On the contrary, the non-believer selfishly lives his life in his own authority from his own limited resources. Gratitude to God for His blessings seldom, if ever, enters his considerations. The old hymn says it well: “Years I spent in vanity and pride, caring not my Lord was crucified.”
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.