The Crucified Lifestyle

Edward F. Lundwall, Jr.

Jesus said to his disciples, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

It is one thing to embrace a concept, but it is another to practice it as a lifestyle. Belonging to Christ requires following Him according to His Word (John 10:27) and patterning one's life after his servanthood.

He gave his life for the world, an ultimate act of service. Those who follow Him must also give their lives in service to others. This means setting aside selfish behaviors, denying the impulse to impress others, showing compassion to the suffering, and attending to the material needs of those in want. The crucified lifestyle involves dying to the sinful nature and replacing it with the life Jesus offers. 

The crucified lifestyle is not another legalistic work, but the exchange of the corrupting ways of the old life for the life of the Spirit that dwells within. Paul strikes the contrast: "for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger." (Romans 2:8) Galatians 5:21 says "that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

Our sinful ways bring much pain if not restrained. Those who come to love Jesus discover that He is the way of life. Jesus said: “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10b).

All life finds its expression gradually, from crying for its mother’s milk to becoming an adult. We are continually learning, practicing, and adjusting choices.

Each phase of life has its own functions and desires and must be trained, that is, brought under the control of the Holy Spirit. Our rebellious nature resists replacement by the life Jesus Christ offers. To live the new life requires a crucified experience. The cross brings death in a most humiliating way. 1 Peter 5:6 says, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13)

Lucifer deceives Eve and uses her to make Adam join her in disobedience against God's command. The result is death, for sin brings death. Paul expresses the angst of our condition: “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24)

God in love gives a means of redemption in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through Him alone we are able to exchange the old life for the new. It is God's will that each “be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:23-25)

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Related reading: His Power Within You; Exchanging the Old for the New; Confirm His Calling

The Humble and Bold Servant

 

Saint Paul described himself as a servant/slave of Jesus Christ in Romans 1:1 - "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God..." and in Philippians 1:1 - "Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus..." In doing so, he set an example for the early Christians. 

This was not false humility. Paul knew he owed everything to the Master. Paul's letter to the Romans emphasizes the realtiy that it is only by the power and grace of God that we are alive, and it is only by His love shown through Jesus that we may inherit Eternal Life. Paul said we are called to be living sacrifices because it’s our reasonable service, our spiritual duty.

Paul was both humble and bold. He held a true and proper understandiing of his dependence of the Holy Spirit and his need of God's grace, and he was bold in his proclamation of salvation through the Blood of Jesus. He wrote, "If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10) In this, he exemplifies the true disciple.

A.W. Tozer wrote, "Jesus calls us to his rest, and meekness is His method. The meek man cares not at all who is greater than he, for he has long ago decided that the esteem of the world is not worth the effort."

A slave has no rights, only duties. Yet the most lowly slave in God's household has higher status than the most honored king on earth.

How will you serve Christ the Lord today?

Related reading: Marks of a True Disciple; Humility or Idealism?; INDEX of Topics at Distinctive Discipleship