Have you ever tried to build something, only to realize you were using the wrong tools or following the wrong instructions? It can be frustrating when we try to do things our own way, especially when it comes to our lives. Our key verse today speaks of a different approach, a better way: a surrendered life.
Galatians 2:20, a powerful statement by the Apostle Paul, says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This verse talks about giving up our own control and allowing Christ to live through us. Let’s explore what it means to live a “surrendered life.”
Paul uses a powerful image here: “I have been crucified with Christ.” This doesn’t mean we literally die, but it means that our old way of life, our self-centered desires, have been put to death. It’s like saying, “I’m no longer in charge; I’ve given up the throne of my life.” Think about a time you held on tightly to something – your plans, your dreams, your desires. Surrender means loosening that grip, letting go, and trusting God to take control. It’s an act of humility, acknowledging that God’s way is better than our own.
The amazing thing is that when we surrender our lives, it doesn’t leave us empty. Instead, Christ comes to live within us. Paul says, “Christ lives in me.” It’s like God moving into our house, not just as a guest, but as the owner. He fills the space that we once tried to fill with our own plans and ambitions. This means that our lives are no longer defined by our own abilities, but by Christ’s power working in us. It’s not about what we can do, but about what He can do through us.
Paul goes on to say, “The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God.” This means that every day, we rely on Jesus. We trust Him to guide us, to provide for us, and to empower us. It’s not a blind faith, but a faith based on the fact that Jesus “loved me and gave himself for me.” Think about learning to ride a bike. At first, you’re wobbly and unsure, but you learn to trust the bike to hold you up. Living by faith is like that. We learn to trust Jesus to hold us up, to guide our steps, and to keep us safe.
The surrendered life is not about becoming a robot or losing our personality. It’s about entering into a partnership with God. We yield our will to Him, and He works through us. It’s like a dance, where we follow His lead, trusting His steps.
This partnership involves:
- Communication: Talking to God through prayer and listening to His voice in the Bible.
- Obedience: Doing what God tells us, even when it’s difficult or doesn’t make sense to us.
- Dependence: Relying on God’s strength and wisdom, not our own.
The result of this surrender is a transformed life. As Christ lives in us, we become more like Him. We begin to reflect His love, His joy, His peace, and His character. Our old habits and desires fade away, and we experience the abundant life that God has for us. The surrendered life is not always easy. It requires humility, trust, and a willingness to let go. But it’s the path to true freedom, true purpose, and true fulfillment. It’s the adventure of living with Christ at the center of our lives.