Sort of startling, coming from Paul who authored much of the New Testament. Aren't we, as Christ-followers, supposed to be trying to impress God with making sure we do this and that right?
The context of Paul's comment, in Galatians 2:
What actually took place [in my life] was this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn't work. So I quit being a "law man" so that I could be God's man. Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.Paul seems to be saying that the more we defer to Christ, the more Christ empowers us to live. Note that he says:
Christ's life showed me how [to be God's man rather than a "law man"], and enabled me to do it.If we put our faith in Jesus and then resort to rule-keeping and holding sway with rules over others, we short circuit the momentum of Christ growing within us, changing us from the inside out, teaching us how to respond to everyday affairs with the love and power that comes only from Jesus.
Only Christ enables us to live and respond like Christ.
Our efforts, our interpretations, our view on things--if not bathed in the truth and wisdom of the Holy Spirit--simply seek to make us feel and look important.
How do we take steps in a Christ-powered direction? My best bet is to keep myself out of his way.
If Christ is powering the direction, then my job is to keep self crucified to him, not seeking my gain but his, not following my agenda but rather asking him to bring about his agenda in my everyday life.
It is a daily, hourly redirect, as I can grow myself right back in charge in an instant.
I seek the freedom and maturity that Christ directed Paul to preach because, inexplicably, that will grow me toward loving and serving others.
Tomorrow: Living creatively.
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