It Is Not I — But Christ

Reverend Leo H. McCrary II

The greatest error of professed Christians is going in the destructive way of self-righteousness, “in the name of Christ”.

Today’s devotional reading: Galatians 2:17-21

Who or what are you living for? To what purpose do you live? Sure, many of us live to provide and make a way not just for ourselves, but also for our loved ones as well. There is nothing wrong with striving to live a life with very little struggle. However, many commit themselves to living for the treasures of a temporary world that is filled with all manner of corruption and sin.

If we are going to live for our loved ones truly, then we must live with a mindset that goes beyond the temporary. If you strive to live for others, to give them something, why not give them something that is long-lasting? We must commit ourselves to the way that will give the long-lasting gift of peace to all of those around us.

Is that a peace that we bring about through our knowledge and wisdom? Proverbs 14:12 tells us that the way that seems right to a man is a way whose end is the way of destruction. We live in a world of proof that man’s way is not the way to leave peace with those near to us, and those generations after us. The only way to give the long-lasting gift of peace is by moving in the way of Christ.

One who follows Christ must sacrifice self-will and self-desire for the will and desire of God. As Paul told the Galatian believers, “For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me (Gal. 1:19-20).” The Christian who learns to remove self–desire from their nature and put on Christ is the Christian who leaves fruit for the present, and will also leave fruit that will feed others tomorrow.