ROMANS 6:11

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

TO PONDER

When we are saving money for a future purchase or even simply just setting a budget, a dedicated ongoing daily commitment is required. The goal will not be achieved if we only fulfil the obligation we have set for ourselves spasmodically such as every second day or only once per week!

The season of Lent is a time of repentance to mark the 6-week period in the lead-up to Easter. To repent means ‘to turn back to Christ’. This conscious action, requires us being closer to Jesus. To leave our sin behind us daily, with the certainty that God’s actions have taken care of our sins for us. To be closer to Jesus surely means continually letting His light shine in us, spending more time with Him and studying His word? 

When we were baptized into God’s family, our sins were drowned forever through Jesus’ death on the cross and we were given a new life, just like Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, on Easter Sunday. This gift of new life is ours through the grace of God. His selfless actions for us mean we are truly dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. 

So, while Lent is a season for us to reflect daily on turning back to Christ in the lead-up to Easter, God’s actions for us do mean we are truly dead to sin. Therefore, as His followers, we open our hearts and lives to Him, so we are alive to God in Christ Jesus every second of every minute of every day.  

Let us start living our lives with this surety, and with a dedicated ongoing daily commitment. Let Christ’s light shine in us for everyone to witness every day, not be kept in reserve for special occasions or for worship on Sundays.       

PRAYER: Dear Father in Heaven. You do not do things in halves. You have demonstrated this for me through your actions on the cross and by walking with me every step of my earthly journey. Help me to be closer to you, to open my heart and whole life to you daily, and to let your light in me shine as I rejoice and share the gifts that you provide for me every day.  Amen

Today's devotion Written By Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping