The cross is a vital part of our everyday lives. When we became Christians, we became a new person. The Bible says: ‘Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!’ (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT). Each day we face three enemies: sin, Satan, and ourselves. Our old self still wants us to do certain things that we know are wrong. We’re still tempted. The enemy attacks us and tries to lead us down the wrong paths. But we can overcome these things by living the crucified life. Paul wrote: ‘I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.’ What does it mean to live the crucified life? It means we let Jesus take over the running of our lives. We surrender our desires and goals, and let Him gives us better ones. Jesus said: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me’ (Matthew 16:24 NIV). We walk in His ways rather than our own. Living Jesus’ way isn’t easy. We have to keep surrendering, sometimes moment by moment. But living His way is definitely worth it. This Easter, let’s celebrate that Jesus is alive. He’s living in us, and we’re being transformed into His likeness. We have His power in us and He can work through us. Even if we’re struggling in our walk with Him, we can be grateful that His death on the cross means that we’re acceptable to God and welcomed into His presence. When we mess up, He forgives us. When we walk away, He welcomes us back. However challenging it seems, let’s pick up our cross and surrender to God again today. 

What Now?

Spend some time recommitting your life to God today. Surrender your plans and desires. Ask Him to help you overcome temptation.