To die is to truly live
Of all the ladies I cared for as a private caregiver, Bee was one of my favorites. I loved so many things about her, including her melodramatic manner.
When Bee experienced a new symptom (that may or may not have indicated something serious), she’d let out a heavy sigh and say, “Well, if I die, I die.” Bee wasn’t afraid of being dead, but she dreaded the dying process. She, like most of us, hoped that when her time came, she’d die peacefully. She didn’t want to suffer a long, lingering death. I’ve often thought about how much I relate to Bee’s attitude about dying – but in a spiritual sense.
Whenever we forsake sin or an unremitting temptation, we undergo a season (sometimes a long, drawn-out season) of suffering until we finally die to that desire or behavior. Once we die to behavior that isn’t God-honoring, like addictions, sexual immorality or even a “lesser” sin like gossip, we’re able to rise to a different way of living – a life that resembles Christ’s nature.
Romans 6:5 (ESV) reminds us that when we die to our sins and trust in Jesus’ death as payment for our sins, we’ll experience the power of Christ’s resurrection.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
During this week, and every week after, would you consider confessing to God (Who powerfully loves you) a specific area you’re struggling with and ask Him to help you to die to it? To help you separate your sinful passions from your heart that passionately desires to be like Christ? To give you a glimpse of what a resurrection life looks like?
Dying to bad habits or sinful behavior (that, if we were honest, we love) is painful. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be a long process, especially when we share our struggle with an accountability partner or small group. These people will help us keep our eyes on our Savior, even when all hell breaks loose. A marvelous bond forms when you partner with others who also want to live strongly for Christ.
What one sin or bad habit will you ask God to help you with this week? What sin will each of us finally put to death with the power of the living Christ Who dwells within us?
If we die, we die. But once we’re truly dead to that sin, we are truly alive.
What about you?
You can use a pseudonym (fake name) when commenting.
- Will you confess to God a sinful or bad habit and allow His Holy Spirit help you break free from it – once and for all?
- Would being part of an accountability group or partnering with an accountability person help you live the Christian life you’ve always wanted to live?
If you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Today Can Be Different online and leave a comment. If you would like to subscribe to this blog and receive the most recent post to your inbox, see sidebar! There’s no charge for this service. AND, I’d be tickled if you would consider sharing this post 🙂
Love this..and YOU Sweet cousin.I’m gonna P M you…AGAPE
Hi, Linda. I look forward to our conversation!
Dying to sin. That’s taking up our cross and following him.
Hi, Barbara. It’s so nice to see you again!
Just to add to your comment, dying to sin also means to “die” to our sinful fleshly appetites.
“Will you confess to God a sinful or bad habit and allow His Holy Spirit help you break free from it – once and for all?”
Yes
Yay!! Way to go, Barbara.