For me to live is Christ

Sometime ago while pondering over God’s word. I was again struck by the unique, distinct and peculiar life we have been called into. I am actually living the life of Christ. I am not to try to please him by my hands but to show forth the excellent virtues of his mighty power at work in me.

I am not trying to carve a niche for myself. Instead whatever niche that may be carved out should continually stem from the accomplished work on the cross.

I mean does my life exhibit the uniqueness of Christ or is it another self declared style unique to me.

Does my action stem from the world or does it stem from the true word of God.

Even though we are called new creatures, our sufficiency does not come from ourselves but from the operation of God in us.

I used to say that what kind of strange humility would make a man pray that men should not see him but the CROSS but now I understand better. Paul desired that we abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ to the honour and praise of God [that his Glory may be both manifested and recognised] Phil 1:11 Consider contextually verse 18

verse 20…my own eager desire and persistent expectation and hope that I shall not disgrace myself nor be put to shame in anything but that with the utmost of speech and unfailing courage, now as always heretofore Christ will be magnified and get glory and praise in this body of mine and be boldly exalted in my person whether through life or through death.

For me to live is Christ

Brother, let our names be forgotten but let Christ be exalted in our bodies. No other thing surpasses this.

The Hymn writer says

“Not I, but Christ,” be honoured, loved, exalted;

“Not I, but Christ,” be seen, be known, be heard;

“Not I, but Christ,” in every look and action;

“Not I, but Christ,” in every thought and word

Christ, only Christ, ere long will fill my vision;

Glory excelling, soon, full soon, I’ll see

Christ, only Christ, my every wish fulfilling

Christ, only Christ, my All in All to be

Culled from Sacred Songs and Solos (Hymn 623)

In conclusion brothers and sisters, the life of the Christian is the life of Christ. Let us prayerfully pore over these words “I have been crucified with Christ, and I live; yet no longer I, but Christ lives in me. And that life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith toward the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself on my behalf”.

Dr bolaji akanni