Mar 1

--knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. Romans 6:6-7.

It is a paradox to us who have found Christ as our Savior, that this verse proclaims that our old nature in Adam, the fleshly nature that is corrupt, has been crucified with Christ. We cry out “Well, it certainly feels very much alive”. Yet, the word of God is very specific about this. Verse 11 in this chapter asks us to “consider (or reckon) yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus”. We may attempt to reckon even harder, as if positive thinking were the answer. No, in the final analysis our reckoning just accepts the work of Christ at the cross. Our old nature no longer has the right to control or guide us. It is only when we choose the old nature over the new that the problem arises. We are to have faith in the finished work of God. I may not fully understand it, but I can accept it by faith. So it is with many aspects of our life in Christ.

Today, Lord, I claim your finished work at the cross. I want only to follow your Spirit, not the old nature in Adam. Present to me clear choices so that I may use the mind of Christ, that You have given me, in every act or in everything that I say. Let me show Christ to the world and my neighbors. Let them wonder where the new nature originates. Let them be hungry for the life that only You can give. Amen.
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