We Live
Reading: Romans 6:5-11
“If we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.”
There are a great many people who do not really live. They only exist. Days go by in a blur of frenzied activity or total boredom, with no ultimate purpose. Drugs or alcohol provide an escape from the sameness.
Jesus’ death and resurrection opened a new quality of life for us. Love, joy, and peace come to those who believe a new way of living is possible. Slavery to our sinful desires has ended. We can conquer them through the strength which comes from being constantly in the presence of Christ.
We have a goal, a reason for living. We are to become like Christ, serving the world as Christ would. This should provide us with enough incentive to avoid wasting our energy on needless worry and useless activity.
We need to feed our souls on Christ in order to enjoy fullness of life. Practicing the presence of Christ, as Brother Lawrence knew, is a daily necessity. We need to be refreshed by reading his words. Long association with Christ through prayer can bring us to the time when we are always aware of his presence and guidance. Life then is lived with him.
For Reflection: Am I truly living or just existing?
Prayer Seed:
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in his wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace.
Helen H. Lemmel, 1922
