While many Christians gather this weekend to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, few think about this moment after the ham leftovers have been put back into the fridge.
Jesus died for our transgressions, but called on us to have transformed minds (Romans 12:12); to not continue on our path of sin, temptation, and wrong-doing. Going willfully right back to what our fleshly self wants is like getting liposuction and then going right back out for a burger and fries.
Many days I still DO slip up. THAT’S what Christ’s Grace is for… not for me to continue my human conquest to “live my best life” or “me do me”. Lately when I do make mistakes, I try to visualize what I just did to Christ… again:
I swung the hammer… again. Fortunately, Jesus doesn’t have to feel it once more, but you get the message here, right? He died to absolve us of all of our sins. If we just return right back to the wide path, we ignore the challenge before us, to walk in his ways, and according to God’s Will.
It can be difficult, that is for certain. We are called to not lose heart (2 Corinthians 4:16-17), for the reward is great. What has helped me though, really is that visualization, and the realization, that I’m causing that hammer to fall once again upon my Lord’s hands and feet.
So I challenge you, not matter how grim it may be, to think upon the trial of Jesus, and what it meant for him both physically and mentally, each time you think you might have a better way. Try to do this not just during Holy Week, but every week of the coming year. Then think about the wonderful gift of freedom from sin He has granted, and what it means to be one of His, and how He thought you were worth that hefty price.
So put on your new self (Ephesians 4:22-24), and rejoice that you’ve been given the gift of a new you. Happy Easter!
