For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 14:8
Essentially this is the theology of terminally committed to Christ. (TC2) It’s a theme brought up several times throughout the scriptures. But until you’ve faced death yourself it’s hard to understand the peace that this commitment gives. We can know ‘in part’ with increasing levels of understanding as we mature and experience first hand the trials and challenges of this life. One begins to understand it becomes a ‘daily’ discipline and know that this day is not our own but His, and we must engage Him to find out His assignments throughout the day.
I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 1 Corinthians 15:31
We may experience suffering, sickness, injuries, maladies, persecution, betrayal, and hatred from others – but if we face all of those while walking with Him – then it is counted for our benefit and His glory. For the spiritually mature believer in Christ, we see all of our victories, successes, and accolades and all that we have stored up for our future earthly comfort are held through a new perspective … like the one Paul has.
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith – that I may know Him and the power of his resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Philippians 3:7-16
What goal(s) are you striving for? What is your life about?
Does your life exemplify the peace of His life? Even in the hardest of circumstances?
This is my challenge – to know Him with increasing depth and love …for everyday I live. To live each day knowing it is HIS day and not mine to live.
What’s the challenge He has given you?