Daily Devotion: No Longer I But Christ

Scripture:
Galatians 2: 15-21

Main Verse:
Galatians 2: 20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Observation:
When Paul made the decision to follow the Lord, he committed his life to Him. He got rid of his old self so that Christ can enter into his life. He knew that Jesus cannot live in him if he does not completely surrender his life. His desire was to be identified with Christ, and it is also Jesus's desire for all of us. When Christ died on the cross, our old self died with Him, along with our sins. He carried this burden so we can receive eternal life with Him in heaven, so we can have the chance to be called a child of God. Wouldn't you want to be identified with Christ, knowing that He has the power to grant us new life and change us into a new creation?

Application:
As Christians, there should be no question as regards our identity. Our true identity is in Christ. Now, if we acknowledge that Christ lives in us, we must put aside every thought or action that does not come from the Lord. Nobody can ever tell us that we are worthless, because nothing can ever compare to the body and blood that Jesus shed on the cross, and that is worth more than anything. What others say and think about you is of no significance. We should make the statement declared by Paul, "No longer I but Christ" our mantra.  Our lives are no longer defined by our experiences, our achievements, our connections, or our wealth. What matters now is our identity in Christ alone.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for creating me and for giving me this wondrous opportunity to become a new creation through your Son Jesus Christ. Thank you for treating me as your precious child even though I did not deserve your kindness. Your love, grace, and mercy truly abounds, Lord. May I always hold on to the truth that I am forever identified in Christ and that no one can dictate who or what I am or will become. AMEN.