Disciples are connected to Christ. Paul used expressions like “Christ in you,” and “In Christ,” to describe the closeness of disciples to our master. Paul saw himself as crucified with Christ and raised to life with him.
Have we been crucified? A. W. Tozer said those who have been crucified have three characteristics: They are facing one direction, they never turn back, and they no longer have any plans of their own. Does that describe us today?
Have we been raised? Christ defined Paul’s life. For me to live is . . . How would we complete that sentence? For me to live is success or education or money or family . . . For Paul, to live was Christ. It is not that Paul stopped living, but that he stopped living for himself. He lived by faith in God’s faithfulness.
Two things we know for sure about our connection with Christ: He loves us and he gave himself for us. Do we love him? Will we give our lives back to him? I remember singing in worship in those days when God’s call was brand new: “Lord I give my life to thee, thine forevermore to be.” Today we sing, “We are yours . . .” May these songs describe our lives today.
