What does it mean to be crucified with Christ? In Galatians 2:20, the Apostle Paul says, “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Notice that Paul says, “I am crucified…” In other words, Paul actively crucified—on a daily basis—his own self and allowed Christ to be alive and evident in his life.
Are you doing that today? Are you crucifying your fleshly desires on a daily basis? Are you dying to your “self?” The Lord desires that we die to our self so that He can manifest Himself in our lives.
How can Christ be living in us if we are only living to please ourselves? The Amplified Bible says, “…it is no longer I who live, but Christ [the Messiah] lives in me…” (Galatians 2:20). Paul was saying that he no longer lived. In other word, he died to self. Then he said, “but Christ lives in me…” Paul gave up his desires and allowed Christ to take up residence in his life.
As followers of Jesus, we should apply this scripture to our lives. Let’s give up our “self” for Jesus. He gave his life for us and He deserves no less from us!
—Naomi Knoles