Holy Week Reflections: The Crucified Life
Living the crucified life is Paul’s personal testimony in describing the life he was living. It’s a life that’s so identified and so attached to the Person of Jesus Christ. It’s a life lived by trusting Christ daily. A daily life of faith requires a daily death to the flesh. The towering “I” is now bent to become a “C,” which represents Christ. Has Paul become a person in bondage, or a person under a spell? No, not at all. The crucified life is a product of a God-designed and God-ordained moment, in which Paul had an awakening of grace in his heart.
As a result, what was once a self-righteous man is now a humbled man admitting he was the chief of sinners who was unconditionally forgiven and loved by Jesus Christ. He’s now a free man who chose to be devoted to the Person of Christ. It’s a life that dies to self and self-importance. A life whose identity and image is in Christ Himself no longer desires to earn God’s approval. He or she enjoys all the blessings and acceptance the Father gives to those whose image is in Christ.
“Death to self ” doesn’t mean we become numb and senseless; rather, it’s a conscious reliance on the One who died for us. Have thick skin and a soft heart is the advice of Chuck Swindoll to those who want to survive in ministry. Death to self leads us to desperation that causes us to learn how to depend on Christ alone. It frees us from the pressure to perform or impress others. It brings our roots deep in knowing Christ and our desire to make Him known. When insulted and maligned, we take our wounds to the Cross and take His wounds instead. When praised and admired, we take no pleasure in dwelling in the glory that’s not ours.
The crucified life is also a process of growth and a series of “more awakening in grace.” It looks like no one will ever graduate from this course, but many have taken deep roots in the pathway of intimacy with Jesus. For those who have experienced this unique “death” of the flesh, though all their senses still function, we see a Christ-like attitude displayed in their actions and most especially, in their reactions. This life isn’t a perfect life; from time to time, it backfires. “Self ” shows signs of life again, and here, the crucifixion starts again until Christ is formed in our hearts. Breaking and brokenness is unending. Being crucified with Christ isn’t about perfection. It’s about a heart quick to repent when rebuked by the Almighty.
This week's free devotional is from Moments of Grace by Arnel C. Tan, available at OMF Lit Bookshops and shop.omflit.com for P350.
Be challenged by this collection of 150 devotional and reflective essays, unlike most currently available devotional materials. Pastor Arnel focuses on a handful of dominant but recurring Bible themes, inviting us to interact. Topics in this collection include: Self-sufficiency, wilderness experience, brokenness, celebrating grace, being still, commitment to the community.
Moments of Grace is for men and women seeking fresh Bible insights to stir up their spiritual experience. Food for thought for established Christians, pastors, ministry heads and small-group leaders.