Living the Crucified Life

A Journey of Faith and Surrender

“… and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God,who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Gal. 2:20)

The concept of living the crucified life is deeply rooted in the teachings of the New Testament. It involves a total surrender of oneself to Christ, dying to the old self, and living anew in Him. Several passages in the Bible elucidate this life-changing journey of faith.

A Journey of Faith and Transformation

Living the crucified life is a profound journey. It is life-changing and beckons us to embrace the teachings of Jesus Christ. We also follow his example. Throughout the scriptures, we find powerful verses that illuminate the path of self-denial, surrender, and spiritual renewal. In this post, we explore these biblical passages and reflect on their significance in our daily walk with Christ.

Luke 9:23

In Luke 9:23, Jesus declares, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself.” He also says, “Take up his cross daily and follow me.” This verse calls for discipleship. It reminds us that following Christ requires a daily commitment to self-denial. It also involves the willingness to embrace the challenges and sacrifices that go with it. The cross symbolizes the pain and suffering that Jesus endured for our sake. By taking up our cross, we acknowledge our readiness to endure trials and tribulations. We are prepared to walk in His footsteps.

Romans 6:6-7

Romans 6:6-7 states, “We know that our old self was crucified with him. This was so the body of sin is brought to nothing. Thus, we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.” This passage emphasizes the life-changing power of Christ’s crucifixion. Through His sacrifice, our old sinful nature is put to death, liberating us from the bondage of sin. As believers, we are called to live in freedom. We are also called to live in the newness of life. This comes from being united with Christ in His death and resurrection.

Galatians 2:20

In Galatians 2:20, Paul expresses, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. I now live my life in the flesh by faith in the Son of God. He loved me and gave himself for me.” This verse underscores the intimate relationship between the believer and Christ. By being crucified with Christ, we surrender our own desires and ambitions, allowing Christ to live and work through us. Our lives become a testament to His love and grace. We rely on faith to guide our actions and decisions.

Galatians 5:14-21

In Galatians 5:14-21, Paul details the contrast between living by the flesh and walking by the Spirit. He writes, “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.” He lists the works of the flesh. Paul also details the fruit of the Spirit. He urges believers to reject the former and embrace the latter. Living the crucified life means yielding to the Holy Spirit. Allow His fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—to manifest in our lives.

Ephesians 2:3

Ephesians 2:3 reminds us of our past condition: “Among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh. We carried out the desires of the body and the mind. By nature, we were children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” This verse highlights the transformation that occurs when we embrace the crucified life. We once lived according to our fleshly desires. Now, we are called to live according to the Spirit. We must renounce our former ways and step into the new life that Christ offers.

Philippians 3:4

Paul’s reflection in Philippians 3:4 demonstrates the futility of relying on our own righteousness. He states, “Though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more.” Paul acknowledges his past achievements and status, yet he recognizes that true righteousness comes from faith in Christ. Living the crucified life means we let go of our pride. We must abandon self-sufficiency and place our trust entirely in the saving grace of Jesus.

Colossians 1:27

Colossians 1:27 unveils the mystery of the gospel. It states, “God chose to reveal the riches of this glorious mystery among the Gentiles. This mystery is Christ in you. It is the hope of glory.” The crucified life is marked by the indwelling presence of Christ, who brings hope and glory to our lives. This profound truth inspires us to live victoriously, knowing that Christ’s power and presence are ever with us.

Personal Reflection

As I reflect on these verses, I am reminded of the immense love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Living the crucified life is not a one-time event. It is a daily commitment to surrendering my will to God’s. I allow His Spirit to transform me. There have been moments when I have struggled to let go of my own desires. I have also grappled with ambitions. Yet, each time I choose to take up my cross, I experience a deeper sense of peace. I find a renewed purpose.

The journey of living the crucified life is filled with challenges, yet it is also imbued with profound blessings. It requires a continual dying to self and a steadfast reliance on God’s grace. I strive to walk in the footsteps of Christ. I find encouragement in His promise of presence. I am hopeful for His glory. May we all embrace the crucified life and experience the life-changing power of Christ in our daily lives.

As I ponder these reflections, I am compelled to delve deeper into the implications of living the crucified life. This journey beckons us to cultivate a heart of humility and grace. We must acknowledge our weaknesses. We also embrace the strength that comes from Christ within us. Each day, we are invited to renew our minds. We aim to align our actions with the divine will. This alignment fosters a spirit of compassion and love towards others. The crucified life is not merely about personal transformation. It extends to how we interact with the world around us. We embody the teachings of Jesus in our relationships and endeavors. When we surrender to God’s guidance, His Spirit leads us. We become vessels of His love. We shine His light in the darkest corners. We offer hope to those in need. This path is challenging. Yet, it is filled with the promise of spiritual growth. We are never alone, for Christ walks with us. His presence offers constant strength and encouragement.

In conclusion, living the crucified life is a relentless pursuit of spiritual growth and connection with Jesus Christ. It requires us to consistently relinquish our personal desires. We must focus on the life-changing power of His love and grace. As we navigate our daily lives, we should remember that each act of self-denial is an opportunity. It allows us to deepen our faith and draw closer to Him.

Through this journey, we experience personal renewal. We also become agents of change. We reflect Christ’s compassion and light to those around us. The crucified life calls us to embody humility. It inspires us to show love and grace. This way, we can make a tangible impact on our communities and the world at large. It is a path marked by challenges and trials, yet it is also one of profound blessings and spiritual fulfillment.

May we all embrace this divine calling with steadfast hearts, trusting in the presence and guidance of Christ. As we take up our cross daily, let us find strength in His promise. May we find hope in His glory. Let us find peace in His everlasting love. In living the crucified life, we discover the true essence of our faith. We find the boundless joy that comes from walking in the footsteps of our Savior.

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’

Blessings,

Minister A. Francine Green