Being Alive!

Perhaps we have all seen a child COME ALIVE simply at the mention of going to the circus, getting an ice-cream cone, or some other special outing or treat. What about the teenage boy who COMES ALIVE at the mention of a certain type of car or a teenage girl who is told there is a great sale at the mall? What is it that has our attention and BRINGS US TO LIFE? What is it we are truly ALIVE TO? Since Paul noted it is possible to be dead even while one is living (note 1 Timothy 5:6), what is it that truly makes us FEEL ALIVE?

Though Paul wrote to the Philippians as a prisoner, he stated. . .

"(20) as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. (21) FOR TO ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST, and to die is gain." ( Philippians 1:20-21 ESV)

Being alive is more than just breathing. What is it that is being breathed into our life? What has our attention and is most influencing us? JESUS CHRIST became the VERY ESSENCE of Paul's life. His life was marked by a death to self so that Christ could live within him. (note also Galatians 2:20) That was the power source that energized and GAVE LIFE to himself and his ministry regardless of the circumstances being experienced. Though Paul did not always know what tomorrow might bring, he did not live holding his breath. Rather, he pressed on with a steadfast faith that he would receive what the Lord had promised him as he entrusted his life completely to God.

Truly knowing Christ and what He has done on our behalf ought to cause us to COME ALIVE as well. Without Christ we would be dead in our sins. However, being ALIVE IN CHRIST means we are whole and well spiritually and thus enabled to live to the fullest now and for an eternity to come. Should that not light up our eyes, get us up on our feet eager to serve His purposes, and experience the real joy of living? May we remain ALIVE TO the purposes for which we have been saved and called to walk with Him.

Have a great day BREATHING DEEPLY OF THE THINGS OF GOD!
Carl

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