Ownership and Pursuits!

Ownership and Pursuits!

And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. Galatians 5:24 AMPC

As God always does, his instructions are for man, and for particular seasons of life. He addresses his many instructions to man, demanding standards of behaviour from us, but I believe that my response to God would be determined by my relationship with Him. Today's extract starts with such a demand, addressed to 'those who belong to Christ'. Please note that it does not say those who think or who feel so, but to those who are sure of where they stand.

If I am sure of my relationship with Christ, there is a level of behaviour and heart condition expected of me. One of such conditions is that the flesh, with all its evil desires, must be totally crucified to the cross. Why is it important? When Christ died, he took away SIN, with all its power and authority, and triumphed over it by way of the cross. Death, which is the natural consequence of sin, was also dealt with. By the Life of Christ, all who identify with Him partake of His life, and are no longer subject to death, sin or the devil's authority.

It is therefore a strange combination to find someone who is truly in Christ also struggling with sin. It would either mean that the person is yet to fully grasp the power and grace available in Christ, or s/he isn't sure of his relationship status. Both extremes cannot coexist in the same vessel. That's the conclusion of today's extract. If I know who I am and who I belong to, then my life's pursuits and priorities will reflect my ownership status.

Christ's mission, as seen in his name, is to save men from sin, and it will be a total misnomer for such a person who is saved from sin to still be subject to sin and its eternal consequences. So, I check my life again in the light of God's Word, and if indeed I have surrendered to Christ, I should be living a life of victory over sin. If I am not, it is not too late to make the necessary changes. Victory over sin is in and through Christ alone; nothing else will work. His time of favour is here.