WHERE TO FOCUS FOR THE BEST POSSIBLE DAY

WHERE TO PUT THE FOCUS FOR THE BEST DAY

During these weeks of Lent where we are preparing our hearts to be more open and available to the life of God given to us through Jesus’ death and resurrection, it’s good to reflect on how our lives are meant to be challenged by those events.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 

Galatians 2:20

I recently read those words in the Message translation.  It brings certain parts of this challenge front and center in a way I think is helpful for us.

I have been crucified with Christ.  My ego is no longer central.  It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God.  Christ lives in me.  The life you see me living is not “mine,” but is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.  I am not going to go back on that. 

Galatians 2:20 MSG

(Picture only) My ego is no longer central. 

I think we fairly readily know that our ego needs to not be front and center in our relationships or we’ll soon not have too many fulfilling ones.  No one likes what we used to call an “ego-maniac” who needs all the attention and who always thinks they are right.  They are some of the hardest people to be around aren’t they?  But, what about that next sentence.  I think that’s the challenge for me. How about for you?

It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. 

It is so much better to come to God exactly as we are – on the good days and in the rotten times – and just be real – start there. 

Lord, we know that when we give our lives to You we are, in fact, crucified with Christ, and a new and life-giving relationship with the Living God is established forever. 

However, in this ego-centric world we live in, we too often find ourselves focused too much on ourselves – our needs, our opinions, our ways.  Lord, forgive us.

How Lord do we ever get to the point of not needing to appear right and good in the eyes of others?  Give us grace and humility, we pray, change where change is needed and to stand true in who You say we are even when others get it wrong about who we are. 

We are on a journey with You today, God, to live more of You and less of us.  Help us, we pray. Amen