I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but
Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by
faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
"Crucified with Christ." Nice of Paul to give us that much credit. But really.? Crucified? Nailed to a tree? Suffered unimaginable pain and suffering?
Paul is, of course, speaking metaphorically about our spiritual crucifixion; however, most of us experience little spiritual or emotional crucifixion. As Christians in America we experience little discomfort for our faith, let alone the pain, humiliation, and suffering that accompanied a crucifixion.
Where is our sense of denial? How many of us have truly suffered for God? When is the last time our prayers have caused us to sweat drops of blood?
Of course, there is little to no chance any of us will be crucified for our faith, but does our personal sacrifice for Christ even approach crucifixion? Do we experience Garden of Gethsemane agony for a lost family member? Do we cry out to God in pain for the sin that lingers in our lives?
Our prayers are perfunctory. Our giving comfortable. Our sacrifices minimal. How thankful I am to Jesus Christ for having the love for me and the obedience to his Father even unto death on the cross.
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