"Christ died on the cross on my behalf. It is like I died there with him. So I do not live my own life any more. Instead, Christ lives in me. The life that I live now in my body, I live because I trust what he has done for me. He has loved me so much that he died on my behalf." - Galatians 2:20 (EASY)
When James Calvert went out as a missionary to the cannibals of the Fiji Islands, the ship captain tried to turn him back, saying, “You will lose your life and the lives of those with you if you go among such savages.” To that, Calvert replied, “We died before we came here.” (The Mission-Minded Family, Ann Dunagan)
The phrase "Dead On Arrival" (DOA) is used to describe anyone that is declared clinically dead before arriving at his/her destination. Every believer is expected to have the "Dead On Arrival Mentality" mentioned in Galatians 2:20. To someone who is truly dead, persecutions and threat of death would obviously means nothing. But rather, it would be a good platform to display ones unwavering love and devotions to Christ.
"If you really want to be one of my disciples, you must be ready to die for me. Live like a person who carries his own cross to go and die. Whoever wants to keep his life safe will lose it. But whoever gives his life to serve me will have true life."- Matthew 10:38-39 (EASY)
Apostle Paul was one of those disciples who demonstrated the "Dead On Arrival Mentality" in the early church. For example, In Acts 20:22-24, he openly told the elders at Ephesus that he values his mandate to preach the good news at Jerusalem more than his life. Even when Prophet Agabus announced that terrible tragedy awaits him in Jerusalem, yet Apostle Paul did not burge or abandon his missionary duties (Acts 21:11-13).
"But even if people kill me, this is not important to me. The Lord Jesus gave me some work to do. It is important that I finish his work. I must tell people the good news about how kind and good God is" -Acts 20:24 (EASY)
"When we all heard this, we and the people there begged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. But he said, “Why are you crying and making me so sad? I am not only ready to be tied up in Jerusalem, I am ready to die for the Lord Jesus!”- Acts 21:12-13 (NCV)
Beloved, are you a true disciple of Jesus Christ? Do you value your life more than His mandate? Are you willing to sacrifice all that you have for Christ? How strong and vibrant is your love and commitment to Christ? Are you afraid of those who can kill the body only? Are you really living for Christ the way James Calvert, John Huss, Deacon Stephen and Apostle Paul lived for Him?
"Christ is everything that I live for. If I die, that will be even better for me" -Philippians 1:21 (EASY)
One powerful hymn that re-echoes the question that every true believer must answer everyday is titled "Are You Living for the Lord? Please prayerfully meditate on the lyrics of this hymn and trust God to help you live for Him alone from this day.
ARE YOU LIVING FOR THE LORD By Carrie E. Breck, 1901
Live for Him who died to save you
From sin’s baleful curse and pow’r;
Live for Him who all things gave you
And who keeps you every hour.
Refrain:
Are you living for the Lord?
Are you living for the Lord?
Only life for Him is worthy—
Are you living for the Lord?
Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
Learn from Him the word of truth;
Find the chart to guide your goings,
Blessed guide for age and youth.
Bringing succor to the needy,
Comforting the sad, the lone,
Giving many a cup of water
To some loved one of His own.
Doing humble, daily duties,
Faithfully as unto Him,
Serving with your true heart-service
Till the day of life is dim.
It's my prayer that God will grant us more grace to truly live for Christ at all times. May our love and devotions to God never grow cold. And may we remain faithful in our kingdom duties till Christ returns in Jesus name.
Good day and God bless you.(Amen)
Maranatha!
Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo
For more articles, please visit -
http://okanlawon.webnode.com
http:// okanlawontaiwo.blogspot.com
Twitter: @tammytaiwo
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