Just as there are two sides to a line, there are also two kinds of lines to which we might refer. There are the lines we should not cross and the lines we should. Today, let us consider together a line that should be crossed.
There are times when an individual begins to consider becoming a Christian, yet there is apprehension in stepping over into that sphere. They believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior. They acknowledge changes that need to take place in their life. However, they hesitate to step over the line in submission to Jesus because they think they still have much more yet to learn. The reality is that this is true for all of us regardless of how long we might have been a Christian. Another reason for not crossing the line is the feeling they will not be able to live up to the commitment of a lifelong walk in Christ. Both of these reasonings focus the attention on one’s own abilities rather than the help received once one is in Christ.
Though we must continue to focus on surrendering to the Lord’s Will and strive to grow spiritually, our competency is not in and of ourselves. If our own ability and goodness were sufficient, Christ need not have given His life for us. The truth is that even our best is not good enough. Recognizing the difficulty of pulling our life together ought to encourage the step over into the realm of Christ where the help is found to get it together.
As spiritual as Paul was, he still declared. . .
“(5) Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, (6) who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:5-6 ESV)
It is true we should recognize the serious commitment being made when being baptized into Christ. (Romans 6:1-4) However, let us not forget the help we receive on the other side as our sins have been washed away. (Acts 22:16)
In his first letter to the church at Corinth, Paul acknowledged. . .
“(9) For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. (10) But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:9-10 ESV)
It was not by Paul, but “by the grace of God” that Paul had become what he had become. So, as Paul pressed on in life regardless of the situation, he did so with the confidence. . .
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 ESV)
May our dependence on Christ, rather than self, be kept in mind as we continue taking life one step and day at a time.
Have a great day LIVING ON THE RIGHT SIDE IN CHRIST!
Carl
