I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20
Accept yourself for who you are.
Embrace yourself.
Be you.
These are all phrases that have become common in our society. Maybe there’s some advantage to these phrases if they are highlighting your aspects of good character or even promoting the idea to not be too caught up on your physical appearance. On the other hand, since I have a Savior who was crucified on behalf of my sins, I will not totally accept myself for who I am. That person is lacking in perfection of love. I will not embrace myself. That person can sometimes be selfish. I will not be me. That person is short of being Christ-like.
I will strive to be more than who I am. I am crucified with Christ. I will embrace this new life. It is Christ that lives in me. I will be a disciple. It is Christ who loves me and gave Himself for me.
The life that I now live in the flesh is not to appease myself, but to work diligently in faith to align myself with the self-sacrificing character of the Son of God; a feat that is paved with much forgiveness of my failings from my Father, yet one I commit a lifetime to even if only I gain an inch in success.
Prayer:
How can anything compare to the sacrifice of Your Son, merciful Lord! When I chose to live by faith, I chose to crucify myself for the sake of the love that was given. I no longer live by my own standards, but earnestly choose to put myself away and be as Christ. It is Him that now lives in me, and it is Him that deserves all of me. Forgive me for my failings in this as I continue in daily repentance to do better. Hallelujah for Jesus, my sacrificial lamb, in Whom I remember as I partake of His supper on this Lord’s day! Amen!
Truth in love,
Heather
Truth in Love 