Downsizing..., September 2024
The other day I thought about downsizing and how much I have done it throughout my life; but never thought about downsizing on sin lately. Oh, I have tried in the past and once I think I’m okay with one sin, another pops up like a dandelion and I am pulled in that direction to rid myself of that glaring thing I do or think that separates me from the LORD. Trouble is, I am trying to do it all and fail. Then it shows up in my witness to others. Ouch!
God has to do it all because “Jesus paid it all.” When I try to straighten myself out, Romans chapter 7 reminds me that I am going to continue to struggle and wrestle with sin until I give it all and myself to the One who lived, died and rose again.
In order to witness for my LORD, I need that resurrection power; but self (self-centeredness, selfishness, i.e. “I trouble”) has to die. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 NKJV) The New Living Translation starts this verse out as “My old self has been crucified with Christ.” I don’t fill in the void with trying to be good, holy or any of that stuff. God replaces my “old self” with His.
Just yesterday, I did a very old study from 1977 called “The Bible Says” that was about this very thing I am talking about. The verses that popped out in the study were Philippians 2:13 and Hebrews 10:16-17; and then my mind went back to Ezekiel 36:25-27. God changes us, if we let Him. He replaces our self-centered nature that wants to live apart from Him with His nature that is best described in Galatians 5:22. Read them in your favorite Bible version and see what you think.
So, what does this have to do with reaching others for Christ?! Everything. When people see Jesus in us and experience His love through us, seeds will be planted. Seeds for eternity. Won’t you go out sowing seeds with me? Give yourselves to God wholly and share what great things the Lord has done in Your life. Love others as Jesus continues to love you. Spread the goodness! MB