“I have been crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” — Galatians 2:20
When Trying Harder Still Leaves Us Empty
So often we try to live like Jesus in our own strength. We make promises, try harder, and hope that this time we will finally overcome the things that keep pulling us down. Yet before long, we feel our weakness again. Our hearts cannot be changed by effort alone. Galatians 2:20 gently reminds us that the Christian life is not simply about striving more. It is about letting Jesus live His life in us, loving through us, and strengthening us where we are weak.
What It Means to Be Crucified with Christ
To be crucified with Christ means that the old life no longer has to rule over us. The part of us that wants its own way, clings to sin, and resists the will of God was carried to the cross with Jesus. This does not mean we lose ourselves. It means we are finally free to belong fully to Him. The old “me” no longer has the final say. Jesus now lovingly takes His place at the center, leading our thoughts, choices, and steps.
When Christ died, He died not only for us, but in a way that drew us near and joined us to Himself. By faith, we are made one with Him. His death becomes the end of our old life, and His risen life becomes the beginning of something new within us. That is why Paul could say, “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” What a comforting truth that is.
The Christian life is not about pretending to be holy or trying to appear strong. It is about receiving His life day by day and trusting Him to do in us what we could never do on our own. In Galatians, Paul is reminding believers that we are made right with God by faith in Christ, not by our own efforts or religious performance. That means we do not begin by grace and then try to finish by willpower. We keep living the same way we began—by trusting Him.
Hope for Ordinary Struggles
This truth brings hope into the ordinary struggles of life. When temptation comes, we can remember that our old life was crucified with Christ. When guilt whispers that we will never change, we can answer that Jesus has given us a new identity. When we feel tired, discouraged, or weak, we can rest in this promise: Christ lives in us, and His strength is enough for today. We do not have to carry the weight of becoming new by ourselves. We can lean on Him, trust Him, and let His grace hold us up.
Learning to Live This Way Each Day
Learning to live this way takes faith and surrender. It means coming to the Lord each morning with open hands and saying, “Lord, my life is Yours. Live in me today.” As we trust Him, He gently reshapes our hearts, loosens the grip of sin, and teaches us to walk in freedom. Little by little, He makes us more like Himself. What once felt impossible begins to become a quiet and beautiful reality through His life in us.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me so deeply and giving Yourself for me. Thank You that I do not have to live this life in my own strength. Teach me what it means to be crucified with You. Draw me away from depending on myself, and help me rest in Your life within me. Let my old ways lose their hold, and let Your gentle power lead me today. Live in my heart more fully, and make me more like You. Amen.
Reflection
- What part of my old life am I still trying to keep in control?
- How can I trust Christ to live more fully in me today?
Minister A Francine Green I June 2026