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. Gal 2:20 (NIV)
When I read this the other day the line that struck me was “the life I now live…” You see the Gospel and everything about Jesus must transform our lives, otherwise His life and death are in vain. The word “repent” means to do a 180 degree turn. That means moving in the opposite direction to which you were going. A repentant lifestyle isn't all about being pushed around and missing out on fun and joy in your life, it just means acknowledging your need of God and then walking that out.
I ‘need' water to stay alive but if I never act on that need, then I won't last long. We all need Jesus but recognising the need and acting upon that need are two separate issues. Imagine if a husband said to his wife “I need you” everyday but then never gave her any appreciation, affection or indication that this need was real. The relationship never goes to a deeper level as he is always ‘saying' but never ‘doing'. It keeps them in a stalemate… and not for the lack of trying on behalf of her either!
The same is applicable to your walk in God. Lip service is not enough to keep your relationship fresh and invigorating – however obedience and faith (combined with works) are. It's not that God needs all this to make Him happy with you, no, not at all! It's actually for your own benefit, so that your life can take a course that will transform it. You'll actually find that it's far more enriching and fulfilling… after all John 10:10 says that He's come to “give us life and life to the full”. Given the other choice, I know which I'd rather…THE FULL LIFE! Praying today is simply amazing for you all!
