I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
Imagine waking up one day and realizing your life is no longer just your own but a shared journey with Christ. This isn’t the stuff of movies. It’s the reality for anyone who follows Jesus.
The message of the cross isn’t just about what Jesus endured over two thousand years ago. It’s the transformative power of Christ in our lives today. Saying that we’ve been crucified with Christ means our old selves—our selfish ambitions, our past mistakes, and our old ways of seeing the world—are gone. In their place is a new life that seeks to mirror Jesus in every aspect, a life that is no longer just our own but a shared journey with Christ.
Living this out means making a daily, conscious decision to view our lives through the lens of the cross. It’s about choosing faith over fear, love over indifference, and forgiveness over holding grudges. It’s about recognizing that our life is lived by faith in the One who gave everything for us, Jesus Christ.
But what does this look like in reality?
It’s in the simple acts of kindness, the patience we extend to others, and how we use our resources—not for personal gain but to bless those around us. It’s in how we respond to challenges, not with despair, but with the unwavering hope that comes from trusting God’s plan. And more.
Embracing the message of the cross implies that we’re open about our difficulties and how our faith has helped us navigate challenging times. It means that we’re authentic in our faith, not aiming for perfection. Being a follower of Christ isn’t about pretending to have it all together. Instead, it’s about admitting our shortcomings and trusting that Christ’s presence makes the real change, not just our efforts. In other words, it’s not about us working harder but about letting Christ’s love and power work in and through us.
Living this “crucified life” isn’t about bearing a burdensome obligation. Quite the opposite! It’s about experiencing a sense of freedom and liberation. Imagine not feeling the constant stress or pressure to meet the world’s expectations or standards. This doesn’t mean a life without challenges or difficulties. But it’s a life filled with grace, peace, and joy. Grace means you understand that it’s okay not to be perfect, and you extend the same understanding to others. Peace refers to the inner calmness you experience, even during life’s storms. And joy isn’t just about happiness when things are going well; it’s about maintaining a sense of contentment and positivity, even when times are tough.
Our actions, words, and attitudes can serve as a powerful testament to the life-changing power of the cross, attracting others to Jesus’s amazing love. Each moment presents an opportunity to showcase this love – whether through a kind word to a co-worker, lending a helping hand to a neighbor, or offering a shoulder to lean on for a friend in need. In doing so, we become living examples of Jesus’ love, showing the cross’s transformative power in a language everyone can understand.
As we go through our daily routines, let’s embody this life transformed by Christ, allowing His light to shine brightly within us.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the life I now live through Christ. Help me to embrace this crucified life daily, letting Your love and grace be evident in everything I do. Strengthen my faith, and let my life reflect Your love to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Personal Reflection
- In what areas of your life do you need to more fully embrace the reality of being crucified with Christ?
- How can your daily actions reflect the life of Christ living in you?
Step of Faith
- Identify one way you can practically live out your faith this week. It could be through volunteering, reaching out to someone struggling, or sharing your story of faith with a friend.
- Set aside time daily to reflect on how Christ guides and transforms your life. Ask for His guidance in showing His love through your actions and decisions.
