Scripture: Galatians 5:24-26
And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.
Thought for the Day: Paul uses plenty of forceful and compelling images, and crucifying the flesh would be one of those images. Now there are some who have taken that literally, and have had their fellow congregants nail them to a cross. Others have worn a cilice or small metal chain with inwardly-pointing spikes that would irritate or even rip the flesh. The hope was to experience the suffering Christ experienced. The only problem with self-induced suffering like this is that it has no purpose beyond itself. The crucifixion of Christ shows us the far-reaching character of God’s redemptive love, and notice how the impact of that loving act reached beyond the one who experienced the suffering. We should always seek acts of sacrifice that don’t simply impact those of us choosing to suffer, but like Christ, allows others to feel the power of love through that gift. If our passions and desires have us obsessed with money, we shouldn’t just crucify those problems of the flesh by quietly burning our money in the backyard. Instead, we should put it to use in a way that transform someone else’s life. Whatever it is in your life, sacrifice it in such a way that its impact is felt far beyond you.
Prayer: Giver of Immeasurable Love, thank you for your willingness to bring it alive through Jesus and so many others throughout history. Allow me to offer my own sacrifice, a gift that I only hope will change me as it blesses others. Amen.
MOVIE NIGHT
THIS FRIDAY NIGHT
6:30PM in the GYM
Everyone is invited…
THIS SUNDAY:
Sermon Title:
Wrath and the Parable of the Turtle
Colossians 3:1-11
