“We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.”
2 Corinthians 4:10-12
Today’s verse could sound a little morbid. We always carry around in our body Christ’s death? We are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake?! A hearty and happy yes! Why happy? Because then — and only then — can the vibrant, joyful life of our Savior be revealed through us. And His life is revealed in us for God’s glory, our eternal advantage, and others’ benefit.
We carry around Jesus’ death when we daily die to sin in the same way He died for sin. It means not taking a casual greeting like “How are you doing?” as an excuse to list every minor and major casualty of your day. Not using your prayer group time as an excuse to gossip. Not painting a picture of your marriage that colors your spouse as the culprit, and you the hero. Not living like a martyr, and making sure everybody else knows it. These are ordinary, yet important ways of putting your flesh to death with its itchiness to rebel.
Oh, to die to sin in the same selfless, patient manner as Jesus on His cross! Oh, if we could only see that refusing sin benefits others around us (just as Jesus was thinking of us on His cross). Then His life would be revealed in us — His profound peace, effervescent joy, and enduring hope.
Jesus, I need the power of Your resurrection to help me “die to sin” today. Help me to see how “carrying Your death” will result in a livelier life for me… and deep encouragement for others around me.
Blessings,
