How can I be crucified with Christ?

      In Galatians 2:20, 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." This statement is not literal but spiritual. It means that when we come to faith in Christ, our old, sinful self is put to death, and we begin a new life in Him.

      But what does it mean to be crucified with Christ, and how can we live it out daily?

1. Surrender to Christ Completely

      The first step to being crucified with Christ is surrendering your life to Him. This means recognizing that your life is no longer your own; it belongs to Jesus. He purchased you with His blood on the cross (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Surrender involves:

● Letting go of personal ambitions that are not aligned with God's will.

● Trusting Christ’s plan, even when it differs from your own.

● Allowing Jesus to be the Lord (ruler) of your life.

      Surrender is a daily choice. Just as Jesus said in Luke 9:23, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

2. Deny Yourself and Take Up Your Cross

      To be crucified with Christ means dying to self. The "self" refers to our sinful desires, pride, and independence from God. It means saying "no" to anything that competes with Christ’s rule in our hearts.

      This is not about losing your personality or dreams; rather, it's about aligning them with God’s purpose. Jesus calls us to take up our cross—meaning we must be willing to endure challenges, persecution, and sacrifices for Him.

      This process includes:

● Giving up sinful habits and attitudes.

● Forgiving those who have wronged us.

● Prioritizing God's kingdom over worldly success (Matthew 6:33).

      When we choose to put God first, we experience the true freedom that comes from living in His will.

3. Live by Faith, Not by Flesh

      Paul continues in Galatians 2:20, "The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God." This means trusting Jesus completely rather than relying on our strength or wisdom.

      To live by faith, we must:

● Believe that Christ’s death and resurrection give us victory over sin.

● Trust His promises even when we don’t see immediate results.

● Depend on His strength through prayer and reading His Word.

      The more we walk by faith, the more we realize that our old way of living is no longer satisfying. Our joy comes from Christ, not from worldly things.

4. Let the Holy Spirit Transform You

      Being crucified with Christ is not about trying harder to be good; it’s about allowing the Holy Spirit to change us from the inside out. Romans 8:13 says, "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live."

      The Holy Spirit:

● Convicts us of sin.

● Helps us develop Christ-like character (love, joy, peace, etc.—Galatians 5:22-23).

● Empowers us to resist temptation and live righteously.

      The key is to yield to the Spirit daily. This means praying, studying Scripture, and being sensitive to His leading.

5. Identify with Christ’s Suffering and Resurrection

      Paul expresses his desire in Philippians 3:10-11: "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death."

      To be crucified with Christ means we should expect to:

● Face trials and rejection for our faith.

● Let go of worldly status and approval.

● Rejoice in suffering, knowing that Christ suffered first (John 15:18-20).

      However, just as we share in Christ’s sufferings, we also share in His resurrection power. This means we live with victory, hope, and purpose, knowing that eternal life with Him is our final reward.

Conclusion: Living the Crucified Life

      To be crucified with Christ is to die to self and live for Him. It is not just a one-time event but a daily process. It involves:

1. Surrendering completely to Jesus.

2. Denying yourself and taking up your cross.

3. Living by faith, not by flesh.

4. Allowing the Holy Spirit to transform you.

5. Identifying with Christ’s sufferings and resurrection.

      When we truly embrace this life, we experience the joy, peace, and purpose that comes from Christ living in us. Would you like guidance on how to take your next step in this journey?