The Scriptures are full of what I term “natural paradoxes” that are, in fact, spiritual truths.
A few examples: to be first you must be last; to live you must die; to be great you must serve.
I say “natural” because that is how the world sees them. But truthfully, as a believer, they are not paradoxes at all. Rather, they are simply truths to live by. However, being in the world but not of it, I recognize the apparent contradiction.
That being said, I need more death in my life.
The Apostle Paul said it this way:
“So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:12-13 NASB).
He becomes more very specific to the Colossians:
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5 KJV).
“’Mortify’ is nekroō, ‘to put to death, to deprive of power, to destroy the strength of’” (Wuest).
Well-known commentator J. B. Lightfoot said to “carry out this principle of death (Col 2:20; 3:3), [you must] kill everything that is mundane and carnal in your being.”
I need more death in my life.
How I need to destroy the power of self-centeredness and private desires; how I need to destroy them in their attempt to keep me from fully surrendering everything to Christ.
Yet, it is not me who can mortify those deeds. It must be His Spirit. However, I must give them to Him for their death.
Yes, I need more death in my life.
What about you?
