Romans 6:11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

This whole 6th chapter of Romans is enormously important for our being able to live like God’s children, instead of like children of the devil. Our bodies and souls are prone to temptation, which is why it is so significant that Jesus took a fully human body when He came to earth. Hebrews 4:15 points this out: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin.” Jesus maintained an eternal perspective, as much as is possible when operating within the constraints of time. He knew that His time on earth was short, so in a sense He operated as one already dead, at least to sin. That is exactly what Paul is talking about here. It’s impossible to tempt a corpse! This was a revelation that featured largely in Paul’s life and ministry. Galatians 2:20 is justly famous: “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.” However, thinking that way doesn’t come easily to us; it requires daily choices. That said, there’s no better time to start than right now!

As I get older it becomes easier to remember that “this too shall pass.” As I was dressing for a very hot summer day just now I was thinking that it won’t be long before I’ll be wearing long sleeves again. Whereas that perspective does make it easier to endure all sorts of unpleasantness, I need to be careful that I don’t let good things pass unnoticed. It does not honor God to fail to recognize and be thankful for His blessings! Also, I’m to recognize that my opportunities to share the Gospel and otherwise serve God are likewise limited, and make the most of them. Ephesians 5:15-16 is an excellent principle to live by: “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” I just had an interesting image: I am to be the opposite of a zombie. Zombies (which I do consider fictional, by the way) are dead to good but alive to evil. I am to be the exact opposite of that, for the glory of God.

Father, thank You for this very practical Word this morning. This could make a very interesting sermon! Help me indeed make the most of every opportunity, not only being dead to sin but being fully alive to You, so that I may be a carrier of Your life to others, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!