“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
I have been crucified! The original Greek uses “Ego” as the word for I. I = Ego. My ego has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer about me. I have no point of pride or reason for an ego.
There are typically two approaches to religion. One approach is to submit to it. It is to do what is necessary to garner God’s favor. But religion is not something I love. It is something I tolerate to maintain control over my destiny.
A second approach to religion is disdain. It is to rebel. If a line is going to be drawn that I cannot cross, I am going to cross it. No one is going to tell me what to do. I am going to retain control of how I live my life and I will mock those submit to the rules because I make my own rules.
Whichever approach we take, religion typically works to build pride. We become like the publican who gives thanks to God that he is not like other men. We are puffed up by a false righteousness. Or our pride is how rebellious we are. It is a point of pride that we move through life without trouble even having pushed God aside.
In either scenario, we hold on to control. I know I like control. I don’t you want any uncertainties. I want to be in charge or at least have the illusion that I am in charge.
But in our verse for today, all illusion is gone. The “Ego” is crucified. I am no longer in charge. Jesus is in charge. The reality he is the only one who holds mastery over life and death. Ultimately, it is religion that must be crucified in us. It is not about following the rules or breaking the rules. It is about Jesus. It is about a relationship with a savior and relinquishing all control of my life over to him.
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