Characteristics of a crucified life

      To live a crucified life is deeply rooted in Scripture, particularly in Galatians 2:20, where Paul declares: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

      A crucified life means fully surrendering to Christ, dying to self, and living under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is a life that reflects Christ's death and resurrection, marked by transformation, sacrifice, and obedience. Below are key characteristics that define such a life.

1. Total Surrender to God

      A crucified life is completely yielded to God’s will. Personal desires, ambitions, and plans are set aside to embrace God’s purpose. This means submitting to His direction even when it is uncomfortable or unclear. Jesus modeled this surrender in Luke 22:42 when He prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done.” A believer living a crucified life no longer seeks self-fulfillment but lives for God’s glory.

2. Dead to Self and Sin

      To live a crucified life means that the old self—dominated by sin, pride, and selfish desires—is put to death. Romans 6:6-7 states, “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.” This does not mean believers are sinless but that they no longer allow sin to control them.

3. Alive in Christ

      Although the believer dies to self, they are made alive in Christ. Colossians 3:3-4 says, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” A crucified life is not one of emptiness but of fullness in Christ, where His presence, wisdom, and strength guide every decision and action.

4. Walking in Obedience

      Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands.” A crucified life follows God’s instructions without compromise, even when obedience is difficult or unpopular. True surrender is evident when a believer prioritizes God’s ways over personal preferences or societal pressures.

5. Endurance Through Suffering

      Suffering is part of the crucified life. 2 Timothy 2:12 reminds us, “If we endure, we will also reign with him.” Just as Jesus suffered rejection, persecution, and physical pain, believers who live a crucified life must be willing to endure hardship for their faith. This suffering refines and strengthens their relationship with God.

6. Humility and Meekness

      A crucified life is marked by humility, following the example of Christ, who “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). A person who is crucified with Christ no longer seeks personal recognition but desires to glorify God.

7. Bearing the Fruit of the Spirit

      A life surrendered to Christ naturally produces spiritual fruit. Galatians 5:22-23 describes these qualities: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” The crucified life is not about rules or legalism but about transformation that results in Christlike character.

8. Kingdom-Mindedness

      A person living a crucified life shifts focus from worldly achievements to eternal impact. Matthew 6:33 commands, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Material wealth, social status, and earthly success become secondary to advancing God’s kingdom and making disciples.

9. Love and Forgiveness

      On the cross, Jesus demonstrated ultimate love and forgiveness by praying for those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). A crucified life reflects this love, even toward enemies. It means letting go of bitterness and embracing God’s call to love unconditionally.

10. Willingness to Sacrifice

      A crucified life requires a willingness to give up anything that hinders a deeper relationship with Christ. Matthew 19:29 states, “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” Whether it is material possessions, relationships, or personal ambitions, nothing should take precedence over God.

      A crucified life is not easy, but it is the path to true peace, joy, and fulfillment. It is a life of surrender, obedience, humility, and faithfulness. It means dying to self but living abundantly in Christ. As Paul said in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”