Where Am I?

We may sing with exuberance that grand old hymn by J. S. Torbett that goes… “I’m in the way, the bright and shining way, I’m in the Glory Land way (Glory Land way)….” However, there is perhaps another way which may sometimes be more fittingly sung (personally) and that is simply “I’m in the way!” When I am having difficulties and become anxious about life it is generally because SELF is in the way. How often do you also find that to be true?

As I was walking this morning I continued to reflect on some of the passages from my morning Bible reading. Having read through the second chapter of Romans I was reminded of the need to keep SELF in its place so that the Lord can retain His rightful place in my life.

In reference to God, Paul exhorted…
“(6) He will render to each one according to his works: (7) to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; (8) but FOR THOSE WHO ARE SELF-SEEKING AND DO NOT OBEY THE TRUTH, but obey unrighteousness, THERE WILL BE WRATH AND FURY.”
( Romans 2:6-8 ESV)

To seek true glory, honor and immortality is to be sincerely seeking the things of God. If we are SELF-seeking we will find great difficulty keeping on track with His Way. We cannot make it on our own. We cannot save ourselves. If we could, Jesus need not to have given His life for us. But linked to His crucifixion for us also needs to be our own.

Paul stated, “I have been CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST.” ( Galatians 2:19 ESV) When he was seeking a righteousness of his own he was a persecutor of Christians. Paul and his zeal for what he thought to be right got in the way. But when he died to SELF he was able to allow the Lord to reign as the sovereign in his life to direct his steps.

Paul went on to state…
“It is NO LONGER I WHO LIVE, BUT CHRIST WHO LIVES IN ME. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” ( Galatians 2:20 ESV)

Jesus Himself taught…
“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and WHOEVER LOSES HIS LIFE FOR MY SAKE WILL FIND IT.” ( Matthew 10:39 ESV)

It is in Christ that we find life, find it abundantly, and will find it preserved for a glorious eternity. May we strive to keep SELF out of the way so that we may properly remain in His Way.

Have a great day ALLOWING THE LORD TO BE YOUR LIFE!
Carl

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