2 Timothy 2:11-12

Paul died daily. We know this because Paul told us so, but we would have known it anyway. It is not possible for anyone to shine the light of Christ as clearly and brightly as Paul did unless they are at the same time dying daily to self. Dying daily means many things, but at its simplest form it involves putting a stop to the selfish motivations that seek to control our thoughts, words and actions. This is not easy; if it was, every Christian would be a better Christian. However, because it is hard, some of us settle for good instead of best.

Paul quoting an early church hymn, tells Timothy that it is when we are willing to die with Christ that we truly experience living with him. Before we meet Christ, our life consists of living without him. After accepting him as our Lord and Savior, he lives with us; and that is a good thing.

Having Christ live with us is good; but us living with Christ is better. This is not just word games. There is a real difference between having someone walk with us and us walking with them. The difference is found in the center of the direction and guidance for the walk. When Christ is walking with us, we are still very much in charge. Even when we want to do right, and we’re depending upon God to guide us, we are still making the decisions ourselves. When we are able to step back and give up control, take our hands off the wheel, surrender totally, and consecrate ourselves to God’s will, then and only then, is God able to truly sanctify us.

Newborn Christians are for the first time truly alive, and it is wonderful. However, yes it truly can get better than that. When we die with Christ and totally consecrate ourselves, He will sanctify us, and continue sanctifying us until we are sanctified wholly in heaven where we will reign with Him. Now that’s living.