Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

This verse is so familiar and so famous that I almost didn’t write on it, but it is famous precisely because it is so important. We read, say, or even memorize these words, but they don’t really sink in much of the time. Part of that is because we’ve never seen someone crucified, but the movie, The Passion of the Christ, was realistic enough to be a big help in that direction. The point is, once someone is crucified, they’re dead. It might take as long as a few days before their heart stops beating, but once they’re nailed on and the cross is raised, they’re effectively dead. So what is the advantage? Why would anyone choose to be “crucified with Christ?” That’s because a dead person is impervious to temptation; this world no longer holds any attraction. For someone who doesn’t have the assurance of eternal life, that in itself doesn’t seem attractive. However, when we do have that assurance, “crucified with Christ” is definitely the way to be! However, as Paul recognizes, we have the little matter of our physical lives that do continue; this isn’t being suicidal. The only way to live out a “crucified life” is by faith. Here again Paul points out the incredible love of Christ, who went through the scourging and the crucifixion for our sake. As came out a couple of days ago, the more we grasp God’s love for us, the more we love Him in return, and the more we walk in all that Christ has done for us.

The first time I saw The Passion of the Christ I wept so hard I missed a good portion of it! However, the crucified life isn’t about emotion, it’s about obedience. As it says in Philippians 2:8, Jesus expressed that obedience. If I want to walk in all the benefits Christ paid for for me, and I do, then I have to walk in that same obedience. I can only do that by faith and by the grace of God, because my flesh isn’t going to do it. That is what salvation in Christ is all about.

Father, this isn’t an easy message to deliver. However, Jesus didn’t draw back from speaking truth that made the vast majority of His followers desert Him. Help me seek to make disciples for Christ, rather than amass members for me. Humanly speaking, I want more people in this church for lots of reasons. Help me desire more disciples in Your army more than anything else, so that we may be mighty in Your hands, for Your kingdom and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!