In the movie “As Good As It Gets,” Jack Nicholson says, “I’m dying here.” It is in response to a waitress who won’t give in to his attitude and is forcing him to act human. Jack didn’t want to change, but he couldn’t go forward if he didn’t. To him, it felt like he was dying inside. As a Christian, you are constantly dying to your old self, and you may feel like saying what Jack said, “I’m dying here.”
2 CORINTHIANS 4:11
“For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”
Delivered to Death
Paul was constantly dealing with new believers who didn’t want to change once they gave their life to Jesus Christ. They often complained to him how difficult it was to follow Jesus, and Paul would give one of his famous quotes like this in 2 Corinthians. You are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake so the His life can be evident in you. That means a lot of change that will take you out of your comfort zone.
Polar Opposite
The Corinthians weren’t big fans of this change. They liked their reputations and enjoyed the culture of Corinth. Living for Christ was the polar opposite of being a Corinthian. You will have to choose as you live for Christ. Will you let the death of your old self happen so that Christ can be glorified, or will you stay stagnant and live in a constant state of misery? You can’t have your old life and your new one in Christ at the same time.
I’m Dying Here
You want the life of Christ manifested in you. What Jesus has for you is so much more than anything you can conjure up. He fills you with His righteousness, gives you His Spirit, and blesses you by filling your heart with His love. These alone should produce in you a desire to get rid of anything that is not of Him. Ask Jesus to put to death anything that needs to go so that you can be filled with everything He has for you.